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How Far Do You Agree That the Impact of the Second World War Was the Main Reason Why the Position of African Americans Improved in the Years 1945

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How far do you agree that the impact of the Second World War was the main reason why the position of African Americans improved in the years 1945–55?

The impact of the Second World War was, without a doubt, crucial in improving the lives of black Americans over the years 1945-55, as it led to federal support of the cause. However, it wasn’t as important as the use of direct action which, for the first time, was able to convert de jure into de facto change. This, not the War, was therefore the most significant factor in the improvement; achieving something which federal support and the work of civil rights organisations which did not engage in direct action were alone unable to do.
The impact of the Second World War was influential in improving the lives of Black Americans because it led to increased federal support of the Civil Rights movement. During the Second World War, approximately 1.2 million black joined the United States armed forces. Their experience in the army allowed understanding the extent to which they were being discriminated against. The hypocrisy of the USA was discovered, a country claiming to be fighting a war of freedom yet oppressed ethnic minorities in their own country. Being sent to Europe, where formal segregation did not exist, the soldiers were able to see what could be achieved from desegregation. African Americans were encouraged to. The War brought significant economic changes to the lives of black Americans. Initially munitions factories would not employ African Americans. A.Phillip.Randolf threatened a march on Washington D.C. if the government did not change the employment system, President Truman felt obliged to commit to Civil Rights for Black Americans evident following the report ‘to secure these rights. Following the report, several initiatives were organised, notably the signing of Executive Order “9980” and Executive Order

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