The World Wars
The wars that changed the world for years to come also effected the U.S. greatly. But not only Europe experienced radical changes in society: The American involvement in the Wars and the development linked to what led to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement would increase the already radical improvement of black conciousness.
World War I:
„The world must be made safe for democracy“ - That‘s what Wilson said to justify American involvement in the European conflict. An Afro-American from New York stated in response: „Let us have a real democracy for the United States and then we can advise a house cleaning over on the other side of the water“. Arthur Shaw wasn‘t the only Black American who thought that it was hypocrytical and deceptive to stand up for democracy in Europe and in the same time keep the Afro-Americans in the unfair position of a second class status.
However, when the U.S. expected all of their citizens to do their duty and fight in the war, some Blacks resented enlisting for fighting under White command. Nevertheless, most of the Afro-American population joined forces hoping for the White U.S. government to „reward“ them with more equality if they demonstrated their patriotism by sacrificing lifes in war.
When the small amount of Black soldiers who were allowed to serve entered France, they were welcomed with an unknown degree of respect and hospitality. This widened the horizon of the Afro-American soldierts, know realizing that there were nations that were committed to democracy and and not so racist as the American Whites. This would play a huge role in coming times.
World War I:
„The world must be made safe for democracy“ - That‘s what Wilson said to justify American involvement in the European conflict. An Afro-American from New York stated in response: „Let us have a real democracy for the United States and then we can advise a house cleaning over on the other side of the water“. Arthur Shaw wasn‘t the only Black American who thought that it was hypocrytical and deceptive to stand up for democracy in Europe and in the same time keep the Afro-Americans in the unfair position of a second class status.
However, when the U.S. expected all of their citizens to do their duty and fight in the war, some Blacks resented enlisting for fighting under White command. Nevertheless, most of the Afro-American population joined forces hoping for the White U.S. government to „reward“ them with more equality if they demonstrated their patriotism by sacrificing lifes in war.
When the small amount of Black soldiers who were allowed to serve entered France, they were welcomed with an unknown degree of respect and hospitality. This widened the horizon of the Afro-American soldierts, know realizing that there were nations that were committed to democracy and and not so racist as the American Whites. This would play a huge role in coming times.
World War II:
As we know, the Great Migration went until the 1970‘s but during the wartime (1939-1945) there was another great number of Black Southerners moving to the North. By now many wide-reaching Afro-American communities had been established in the Northern states and the authority of Whites over Blacks reduced.
Overall the Second World War had raised a greater awareness and stronger activism in the U.S. This was the NAACP‘s time of rising: During the war the numbers of members increased from 50,000 to 450,000.
Especially the fact, that the soldiers (again, as in WWI, segregated troops) were fighting fascism in Europe, made White Americans realise that their racism was quite similar to Hitler‘s fascism.
Through the increasing confidance Blacks achieved during this period, many started protests like Sit-ins, demonstrating their economical power by peacefully blocking seats in restaurants and similar, or boycotts: Deliberately abandoning something crucial to the economical situation: e.g.: Not using public transportation (Montgomery Bus Boycott) or not shopping at a store which won‘t employ Afro-Americans.
As we know, the Great Migration went until the 1970‘s but during the wartime (1939-1945) there was another great number of Black Southerners moving to the North. By now many wide-reaching Afro-American communities had been established in the Northern states and the authority of Whites over Blacks reduced.
Overall the Second World War had raised a greater awareness and stronger activism in the U.S. This was the NAACP‘s time of rising: During the war the numbers of members increased from 50,000 to 450,000.
Especially the fact, that the soldiers (again, as in WWI, segregated troops) were fighting fascism in Europe, made White Americans realise that their racism was quite similar to Hitler‘s fascism.
Through the increasing confidance Blacks achieved during this period, many started protests like Sit-ins, demonstrating their economical power by peacefully blocking seats in restaurants and similar, or boycotts: Deliberately abandoning something crucial to the economical situation: e.g.: Not using public transportation (Montgomery Bus Boycott) or not shopping at a store which won‘t employ Afro-Americans.
Sources: http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africanaage/essay-world-war-i.html
Vivienne Sanders; Civil Rights in the USA
Vivienne Sanders; Civil Rights in the USA