Premium Essay

American Education In The 1950's

Submitted By
Words 288
Pages 2
The rules and laws of racial segregation governed almost every aspect of social life in the United States during the 1950s, and the rules of segregation disobeyed all logic. Young African Americans attending local schools were forced to go to segregated schools, despite the how far away it was from their homes. The inhabitants the United the States are guaranteed liberty and equal opportunity under the Constitution, however, it is historically proven that these fundamental rights have not always been promised as pledged. The American education system is an exemplary example. A seven-year-old third grader, Linda Brown, was forced to walk six blocks to catch the black bus in Topeka, Kansas, meanwhile, there was a school only seven blocks away

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Segregation in the 1960s

...Roger Bloom Professor Potter HIST 2020 1 May 2015 During the 1960’s the United States faced many issues, which can be traced back to the 1950’s. Some of these issues were related to racial discrimination and inequality, both of which can be traced back to the 1950’s when the Civil Rights Movement was taking place. Other events, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 can be traced to the Cold War that took place in the 1950’s. In the early 1950’s the United States was very segregated and African Americans did not enjoy many of the same rights that whites did. As the decade went along, segregation became a hotly debated topic, particularly segregation in schools. Since the Supreme Court case Plessy v Ferguson in 1896, the nation had operated under the doctrine of “separate but equal” (Potter 3/31). Then in 1954, a new Supreme Court case called Brown v Board of Education, was ruled on regarding segregation in schools. The opinion of the court was delivered by Chief Justice Earl Warren who said, “We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate education facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and other similarly situated . . . are . . . deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment” (Brown Decision, 1954). When the Brown v Board of Education decision was announced, it looked like it would be a major victory in the fight to end segregation...

Words: 826 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Human Rights In The 1950's

...“Discuss Civil Rights and Human Rights in the 1950s and what many individuals and groups did to combat segregation, separation, fear, ignorance and sexism.” Following the war filled 1940’s came a time of social justice. Following WWII many social issues came to light that many wanted to fix. Many strong people and organizations rose up to try to resolve these social issues. The two main issues during the 1950’s were civil rights and sexism. Both were large issues that many fought to try to resolve during these times. Civil rights was arguably the biggest issue during the 1950’s and saw many positives towards success. The NCAAP (National Association for Advancement of Colored People) become the most influential organization during the civil...

Words: 929 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

1950's Music Analysis

...people and will be for years to come. During the 1920’s thru the 1940’s, Jazz, and the Blues were a big part of the American culture. The 1950’s changed all of that (Vaillancourt 6). Nineteen Fifties music has been affected by the problems of Segregation, Civil Rights, and The Cold War during the decade. The Cold War, the baby boom and the struggle for equality were all a major parts of the 1950’s. During that time the country's economy was limited. When the Cold War hit the American economy grew and consumers were spending great amounts of money. Soldiers returning from...

Words: 648 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

History

...Equality Brian Dugas University of Phoenix In the decades previous to the nineteen fifties, African Americans were the subject of more discrimination than any other race or religion in all aspects of being treated both as a person, and a race. These people were up until almost the mid 1900’s as slaves, even though slavery was abolished long before, even in the mid 1900’s, African Americans were still considered “second class citizens”, not seen as equals in the eyes of others. It was during the 1950’s that African Americans, and other racial authorative groups collaborated to change their status in society. This challenge of fighting against discrimination and for racial equality among racial groups became one of the most important times in United States history; it was the beginning of what we know as the Civil Rights Movement. The fight for racial equality started long before the 1950’s, in the early 1900’s, the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) was created by Booker T. Washington, and Webb Du Bios, Mr. Washington was actually an ex-slave. As the NAACP grew in numbers and support, the NAACP also published its own newspaper, showing progress, and enticing people to come forward to support for their rights. One of its first victories was the laws of segregation in housing, and also the right of African Americans to jury duty. The NAACP helped in establishing other groups such as CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) which...

Words: 1858 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

African American Civil Rights Dbq

...African American Civil Rights DBQ African Americans struggled for equal rights for a long and difficult time. However, in the 1950’s the modern civil rights movement began. There were many ways in which African Americans have been denied equal rights, but the government, individuals, and groups helped deal with the inequalities faced by African Americans. African Americans have been denied equal rights because of segregation and education (doc.1, doc 2, O.I.) Even though the country ruled, “separate, but equal” black and white schools were very different (O.I, doc 1.) African American schools could be very far away from their residence, for instance Linda Brown, who lived in Topeka had to walk 39 blocks to school (O.I, doc 1.) Also, African Americans did not have very good facilities, and were short on supplies compared to nearby white schools (O.I.) This was not the only thing stopping African Americans from reaching equality, Jim Crow laws also played a big part(O.I, doc 4.) Jim Crow laws separated blacks and whites in restaurants, transportation, and schools (O.I.) In addition, African Americans could not drink out of the same water fountain, or use the same restroom as Whites (O.I) The African American facilities were inferior to the white facilities. (O.I.) Without having the same education and with the Jim Crow laws in place, African Americans had trouble becoming equal (O.I.) Since 1950 there have been many methods used to fight against the inequalities faced by African...

Words: 535 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Long Civil Rights Movement

...The Civil Rights Movement is popularly known to have started in the mid 1950’s—but I do agree with Jacquelyn Dowd Hall’s article “The Long Civil Rights Movement and the Political Uses of the Past” that the Civil Rights movement did not begin so late. Structurally, culturally, and ideologically the Civil Rights movement began decades before the nation became aware of it. The work of civil rights activists such as A Philip Randolph, beginning in the mid 1920’s, affected change in the structure of government by pushing for anti-discriminatory legislation for Black workers. Further affecting structural institutions was the effect that World War II had on Black Americans, who were disillusioned by the hypocrisy of the United States fighting for...

Words: 1455 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Browder V. Gayle Case Analysis

...A most important Civil Rights lawsuit, Browder v. Gayle was filed in U. S. Federal District Court in Montgomery, Alabama on February 1, 1956. This case is virtually unknown and in name not mentioned in the Civil Rights discussion. Instead, the gains realized through the success of this case are generally attributed to other factions and individuals or events, such as Brown v. Board of Education, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin L. King Jr., Rosa L. Parks, and Ed Nixon. To grasp the relevance of Browder v. Gayle to American History as it relates to Civil Rights, one must first understand the preceding history relative to the Civil Rights struggle. To enter that discussion one must recognize the changes made in American society, dictated by prevailing laws made by the laws of the land, which involved the U. S. Constitution and the courts, which interpreted...

Words: 947 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Civil Rights

...Although the 1960’s are usually considered the decade of greatest achievement for black civil rights, the 1940’s and 1950’s were periods of equally important gains. Asses the Validity of this statement. Equality was always a touchy subject following the civil war. Following the war, the north did not put emphasis on equality for all men. It took almost a century longer for complete equality to be achieved. Clearly these changes did not come around quickly, and it took a large group effort to bring about change. The ending results of the fight for Civil Rights that came in the 1960’s are of equal or even lesser importance to the events that enacted the change during the 1940’s and 1950’s. The 1960’s were a time of great results of the effort to establish civil rights for African Americans. In the earl sixties, movements such as the Freedom Riders were still in full effect, but the government was beginning to sway to the black side. President Kennedy brings the Civil Rights Bill to congress in 1963. It is put down by the southern democrats. As a result, Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement organize a massive political march in Washington. One of the high points of this march is Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech on the steps of the Lincoln memorial. The efforts come to fruition with the passing of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, and Voting Rights Bill of 1965. But the Efforts made in the sixties are mere fractions of the total amount of drive from the previous decades. Civil Rights...

Words: 608 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Segregation In 1800's Essay

...people or things or being set apart. In late 1800’s, the two races white and black had an serious issues and discriminations among them. The black or brown people had the hard to serious because their lives were limited by the white people. Black people treated like slaveries by which can’t they can’t the quality education, housing (shelter), and their civil right. Discriminations, racism, and prejudice the conditions that isolate the lives of black people in 1800’s. First, Discriminations an act of unfair treatment directed against an individual or a groups. Discriminations can define as directed at a person because of their race, colour, sex or gender, sexual...

Words: 396 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Quality Gurus

...History of Quality Management The history of Total Quality Management can be traced in early year’s of 1920′s in the area of  production quality control, and remarkably the concepts developed in Japan beginning in the late 1940′s and 1950′s, pioneered there by Americans Feigenbum, Juran and Deming. Quality Management Gurus and theories Quality Management resulted mainly from the work of the quality gurus and their theories. the American gurus featured in the 1950′s Japan: Joseph Juran, W Edwards Deming, and Armand Feigenbum; the Japanese quality gurus who formulated  and extended the early American quality ideas and models: Kaoru Ishikawa, Genichi Taguchi, and Shigeo Shingo; and the 1970-80′s American Western gurus, notably Philip Crosby and Tom Peters, who further extended their thoughts  towards Quality Management concepts after the Japanese successes Total Quality Management (TQM) Total Quality Management features centrally the customer-supplier interfaces, (external and internal customers and suppliers). A number of processes sit at each interface. Central also is an organizational commitment to quality, and the importance of communicating this quality commitment, together with the acknowledgement that the right organizational culture is essential for effective Total Quality Management Processes – understanding processes and methods for process improvement Understanding processes is essential before attempt is made to improve them. This is a central aspect to Total...

Words: 637 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Social Events of the 1950's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's

...The Social Events of the 1950's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90s Introduction Over the past 50 years, there have been many changes within the social movement in the United States. Some of these changes have been for the better and some not so great. These changes were made with the hopes and dreams of making life better for all cultures, species, families, and environment. Now the question is, how did these change come about, and what were these changes about? Social Life of the 1950's In the early 1950's was a new beginning for the United States. With the end of the Great Depression and World War II, people felt that they could start living, and have things they thought they would never have, like a home, cars, a wife or husband, and children. With the new beginning, families started moving from large city life to the suburbs, for the reason that life in the suburbs was considerable less hectic and peaceful than what city life was like. Due to the Great Depression, many men and women put off getting married or starting families for the reason of lack of money or homes, and with the War, many were afraid they might not come home. However, with the new feeling of security and peace couples were able start the family they always wanted and so began the Baby Boom years. People moving to the suburbs triggered...

Words: 2021 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Investagating a Social Issue

...of poverty is equally complicated. The stereotypic (and simplistic) explanation persists- that the poor cause their own poverty – based on the notion that America is the land of hope. Some even accuse the poor of having little concern for the future and preferring to “live in the moment”. Some will even go as far as accusing the poor of engaging in self-defeating behaviors such as drug abuse, alcoholism, laziness, personal inadequacy, and many other wrongful acts. To “blame the poor” is stereotypic and not applicable to all of those that have falling on hard times most poor people are able and willing to work hard, and do so when giving the chance. The real problem has to do with the problems of minimum wages and the lack of access to education that is necessary to obtain the better paying jobs. With employers moving from the inner cities to the suburbs and even overseas it has limited the opportunities even farther for the inner-city poor to find adequate jobs. Some believe that the poor would rather be on welfare than work in a demeaning position. It is said that poverty was caused by the imperfect economic, social and political systems, logically; the responsibility should be laid rather on the individual then society. The reason is that it’s [ (frank, 1987) ] laid at society...

Words: 947 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

History

...Examination of Two African American Artists Name Title Unit Code Introduction Artist refers to broad spectrum wide ranging word that covers activities related to creative art, demonstrating art, and practicing art. Artistic works by the African American artists have played a great role in revolutionizing the scene of the American culture displayed to the outside world. Becoming an artist is an intensive process requiring talent and social recognition through provision of social support. In the early ages, artists in America were selected basing on their race. However, the beginning of the 19th century saw the establishment of Negro movement that advocated for social recognition of the black artists in America. This provided the artists with a platform for expressing their talents through music, writings, and visual artworks on issues related to social, political, and economic conditions facing the blacks in America. Therefore, this research paper will examine the life history of two famous African American artists in history. The analysis will consider their early lives, education backgrounds and their contributions that led to their social recognition. The research will end with the comparison of the two personalities and come up with a conclusion. The two personalities examined in the research paper are Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Romare Bearden. Romare Bearden’s Early Life Romare Bearden is one of the African American artist and writer born...

Words: 1430 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Janie Mae Overton Civil Rights Movement

...The fifties planted the seeds for the cultural conflict that traversed the nation in the sixties, a time when civil rights in inequality, an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people, created division and discord. Injustices such as the denial of full citizenship rights, equal opportunity in education, jobs, access to transportation and public facilities experienced by African Americans led to The Civil Rights Movement in the United States and a time of social unrest. The Civil Rights Movement was about the campaign of African Americans who had visions of equality and sought social change. Janie Mae Overton was an African American woman who, along with many others, was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. Her involvement included participation in non-violent demonstrations, sit-ins and marches against inequality and social injustice which was the African American experience....

Words: 1935 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

The Birth of the Celebrity

...Christopher Sigler History 328 Dr. Reaves March 11, 2014 Post World War II America was a period of massive economic growth in America. Despite a brief economic recession from 1946 to 1947, the years following World War II saw the United States become the world super power that it is today. From 1940 to 1950 the American Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 50% from $200,000 million to $300,000 million1 and by 1955 sixty percent of Americans identified as middle-class2. The exponential economic growth and social class shift during this period created several important changes to American culture. Many American families now possessed excess money; Money that was spent on single-family homes, entertainment, appliances, and cars, items that the general public could not afford before this period. The result of the influx of money not only changed the American family forever, but the marketing strategies used by companies as well. As Americans began to place a heavier value on entertainment, movie stars, actors, and other celebrities began to have a prominent influence on society. Post war-prosperity and the economic boom during the early cold war began the American, and eventually global culture of celebrity marketing. To understand the United States rise to a world superpower one must look at the aftermath of the widespread war of World War II. World War II was a global war that involved thirty nations and claimed the lives of over 50 million people3. However, the...

Words: 2092 - Pages: 9