How far did US presidents hinder rather than help the development of AA civil rights in the period 1865-1992.
How far did US presidents hinder rather than help the development of AA civil rights in the period 1865-1992.
Introduction
In the period 1865-1992 African Americans suffered discrimination and experienced the development of their civil rights.
US played a central if ambivalent role both obstructing and helping the development of civil rights.
However, on balance, did the presidents hinder the development of African American civil rights ?
Paragraph 1 – Helped/Hindered 1865-1930’s
Presidents in early period had views of white supremacy and therefore hindered the development of AA rights.
Under Lincoln 13th amendment was passed which formally freed the AA slaves.
Johnson Supported southern rebels by pardoning them
Allowed south to develop black codes and jim crows, which impeded the political, social and economical rights for blacks. Varied across states.
However, Grant passed the 14th (gave AA citizenship and protection under US law) and 15th amendment (the right to vote) – state laws meant he could not enforce his rule properly, so therefore to an extent in the south anyway de jure AA had rights, but de facto NO DID OK Also hindered.
Wilson - Segregated the armed forces during the First World War One excluded African Americans from jobs in the Federal administration – Step backwards from Grant. CHANGE Hindered.
Hoover – attempted to appoint a racist judge in SC, but stopped by NAACP.
During this period it can be seen that presidents hindered the advancements of the Civil rights to a large extent, however it must be noted that president Grant and Lincoln did instigate the start of the civil rights movement and there actions without a doubt provided a pathway for AA civil rights advancement.
De jure rights, de facto no
Paragraph 2 – Help/hindered 1945-1960’s
This period saw more advancement due to the fact positive legislature was being enforced. Also rise in quality of leadership of AA campaigners.
FDR new deal helped to an extent,
Introduction
In the period 1865-1992 African Americans suffered discrimination and experienced the development of their civil rights.
US played a central if ambivalent role both obstructing and helping the development of civil rights.
However, on balance, did the presidents hinder the development of African American civil rights ?
Paragraph 1 – Helped/Hindered 1865-1930’s
Presidents in early period had views of white supremacy and therefore hindered the development of AA rights.
Under Lincoln 13th amendment was passed which formally freed the AA slaves.
Johnson Supported southern rebels by pardoning them
Allowed south to develop black codes and jim crows, which impeded the political, social and economical rights for blacks. Varied across states.
However, Grant passed the 14th (gave AA citizenship and protection under US law) and 15th amendment (the right to vote) – state laws meant he could not enforce his rule properly, so therefore to an extent in the south anyway de jure AA had rights, but de facto NO DID OK Also hindered.
Wilson - Segregated the armed forces during the First World War One excluded African Americans from jobs in the Federal administration – Step backwards from Grant. CHANGE Hindered.
Hoover – attempted to appoint a racist judge in SC, but stopped by NAACP.
During this period it can be seen that presidents hindered the advancements of the Civil rights to a large extent, however it must be noted that president Grant and Lincoln did instigate the start of the civil rights movement and there actions without a doubt provided a pathway for AA civil rights advancement.
De jure rights, de facto no
Paragraph 2 – Help/hindered 1945-1960’s
This period saw more advancement due to the fact positive legislature was being enforced. Also rise in quality of leadership of AA campaigners.
FDR new deal helped to an extent,