National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Definition

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 that seeks to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people. During the Great Depression, the NAACP played a crucial role in advocating for African Americans who faced unprecedented economic hardships, highlighting their struggles and pushing for policies that addressed racial inequalities in employment and relief programs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Great Depression, African Americans were often the last hired and first fired, making the NAACP's advocacy for fair employment practices crucial.
2. The NAACP worked to ensure that New Deal programs did not exclude African Americans from benefits, advocating for anti-discrimination policies in federal relief efforts.
3. The organization utilized legal challenges as a primary strategy, winning landmark cases that helped dismantle segregation and discriminatory practices.
4. The NAACP's membership grew significantly during the Great Depression as more African Americans sought support against racial injustices exacerbated by economic hardship.
5. The group's campaigns drew national attention to issues such as lynching, voter suppression, and housing discrimination, laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

Review Questions

• How did the NAACP adapt its strategies to address the unique challenges faced by African Americans during the Great Depression?
  • During the Great Depression, the NAACP adapted its strategies by focusing on economic justice alongside civil rights. The organization campaigned for equitable treatment in New Deal programs, ensuring African Americans could access jobs and relief. They also employed legal strategies to challenge discriminatory practices, pushing for reforms that directly addressed the economic struggles faced by their community.
• Discuss the impact of the NAACP's advocacy on New Deal policies and how it influenced federal responses to racial discrimination.
  • The NAACP had a significant impact on New Deal policies by lobbying for inclusivity in federal programs. Their persistent advocacy led to some changes in how relief funds were distributed, ensuring that African Americans were not excluded from assistance. This influence was crucial in raising awareness about racial discrimination in federal initiatives and set a precedent for future civil rights legislation.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the NAACP's actions during the Great Depression on subsequent civil rights movements in America.
  • The actions of the NAACP during the Great Depression laid a foundational framework for subsequent civil rights movements. By successfully challenging systemic racism through legal battles and advocating for policy changes, they established methods that would be employed in later struggles for equality. Their focus on economic justice intertwined with civil rights helped shape a comprehensive approach to fighting discrimination that would resonate in future movements like the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Related terms

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans, particularly prominent during the 1950s and 1960s.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social welfare.

Double V Campaign:

A campaign during World War II that called for victory against fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home, highlighting the interconnectedness of war efforts and civil rights.