Why is it that black americans saw little improvement in their lives during 1870 to 1945?

Question

Is this statement true?

Answer 1

The statement is both true and false. America continued to industrialize, and the standard of living for all Americans increased as a result. However, black Americans faced harsh racism and discrimination during this time, which meant their quality of life remained lower than that of whites. This was the era of Jim Crow laws, the KKK and frequent lynchings. In the North black Americans had more economic opportunity, but they were still paid less than whites for the same jobs, were the first fired and last hired during the Depression, served in segregated Army units doing menial jobs for less pay that white soldiers, etc.

Answer 2

Because slavery had only recently ended in 1870 and major societal changes didn't happen until the 1960s.

Yeah, it's crazy to realize how recently that was, in terms of history, but it was. Following the Civil War, slaves were set free but got no further help. They were on their own. Can you imagine? With no rights, no education for the most part, no experience of being 100% responsible for their own needs, no vote, and no property ownership. Not a very good start, huh? In the south, many became sharecroppers because farming was what they knew, but as a sharecropper you never get ahead. Other blacks moved north to industrial cities. Maybe they made out a little better there, but all were also dealing with the prevailing racisim of the time. It is sad but true. It wasn't really until the 1960s that institutional-type racism started to be demolished.

Answer 3

White Democrats in the North united with white Democrats in the South to terminate Reconstruction and roll back the gains made by blacks nationwide, but especially in the South.

After World War II, the Democrats in power in Washington realized their side of the conflict against world Communism in the "Third World" would have no credibility if they continued to endorse segregation in the US. President Truman, a Southerner who had once been a member of the KKK, ended discrimination by the Federal government, and endorsed legislation that was the beginning of the modern Civil Rights movement.

Once the Democratic Party had thus split on the subject of rights for black Americans, the desegregationist wing of the Democrats united with Republicans, who were also for civil rights for all, and the segregationist movement crumbled.

Answer 4

I would say the statement is true and the reason was though laws had changed and the Union won until that generation and its children and grandchildren were pretty much no longer in charge of the Government I doubt there would be much change, Fresh blood with new ideas and outlooks were needed and that could not happen until these generations were near gone.

That is why it took so long and longer in other places.

Answer 5

Of course it's true. Those that got uppity got hung ! That is a sad truth. Blacks had to keep a low profile to stay alive. If they did not seem passive enough the KKK would hunt them down. With that being said there was little opportunity for blacks to improve under those conditions. Those that tried often met a bad end.

Answer 6

Can a "why" statement be true? You're asking a true/false question about a question?

False.

Why? They had increasing opportunities within the nation. They could find jobs of varying pay, could get themselves homes, and in some cases land. As they began to get more money, they were able to improve their lives.

Answer 7

Because, at that time our government either condoned or turned a blind eye to their rights being denied. As our government treats smokers today.

Answer 8

Although they were free, the law still did not give them equal rights.

Answer 9

Why? I can give you the answer in two words: Jim Crow. Look it up!

Answer 10

I believe it to be true. What you obtain is only measured once you utilize it. if not you just toss it away.