History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History - Research Paper Example Nonetheless, the civil rights movement comprised various African-Americans, who led in the struggle for racial equality, since the blacks in America were entitled to less privileges compared to the whites. This essay focuses on the civil rights movement from WWII until 1968, this therefore, is the period between 1938-1968, with special attention on major events, which indicate struggle for racial equality by African-Americans, and whether they won or lost in their different struggles for equality. Although the Civil Rights Movement is associated with the African Americans only, this was important for both African Americans and the whites. After the civil war, which was detrimental to America, the country was left with many national issues to address in order to ensure stability of the nation and its people. It was during this period, after the civil war, which is also called the reconstruction period that major civil rights movement were experienced. During this era, America had a co nsiderable number of its population comprising African Americans. These were former slaves, who upon being freed, needed to find land, build homes, settle down, and live a free life, like any other white person. Therefore, the American governments had a responsibility of addressing the needs of the former slaves in order to ensure there entry back into the society, as free people. However, when the government failed to address the issues of the African Americans in a fair way, these would rise up and demand for fair treatment and fair legislation, which did not deny them of the privileges the whites were entitled to. Therefore, this continued struggle for racial equality is what gave birth to the modern civil rights movement. Before the WWII, the American government, starting the late 19th Century, had used the legislation to enable the integration of African Americans back in the society as free people. Although the government based its decisions and legislation on the doctrine of â€Å"separate but equal,† there were vast elements of racial discrimination, as the African Americans were not free to share public space or enjoy the privileges of same legislation with the whites. Public places and amenities such as restaurants, schools, bus and railroad stages, among others, were separated between the whites and African Americans. Facilities belonging to African Americans were of poor quality, and inferior, compared to those of whites. This was one of the situations, which would result in the civil rights movement. In 1938, one major incidence that showed struggle for equal rights was experienced in one of the Southern states. In these states, there was a high level of inequality of the African Americans, compared to other states. Southern states did not allow for the admission of African Americans in institutions of higher learning, but referred them to institutions of higher learning in the northern states. However, in 1938, one African American student , who was denied admission to the University of Missouri Law School, filed a case in court, since he wanted Law in this particular university, as others did not offer law. Nonetheless, the courts ruled that the student be admitted in the university. This is one of the incidences, which portray the struggle of African Americans to gain equal opportunities with the whites in America. During the WWII, African Americans