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✊🏿african american history – 1865 to present review

Post-war civil rights movement

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The post-war civil rights movement refers to the period following World War II when African Americans and their allies organized to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. This movement gained momentum due to a combination of factors, including the contributions of African American veterans, increased awareness of civil rights issues, and changing public attitudes towards race. The struggle involved various forms of activism, legal challenges, and nonviolent protests, aiming to secure equality in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and access to public facilities.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The post-war civil rights movement was largely driven by the experiences of African American soldiers who served in WWII and returned home demanding equal rights.
  2. The GI Bill provided educational benefits to veterans, which many African Americans utilized to pursue higher education and better job opportunities, highlighting economic inequalities.
  3. The formation of civil rights organizations, like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), played crucial roles in mobilizing grassroots activism.
  4. The Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 was one of the first significant protests of the movement, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat to a white person.
  5. Media coverage of violent responses to peaceful protests brought national attention to civil rights issues, influencing public opinion and leading to legislative changes.

Review Questions

  • How did the experiences of African American veterans during WWII influence the post-war civil rights movement?
    • African American veterans returned from WWII with a heightened sense of entitlement to equal rights after fighting for freedom abroad. Their experiences highlighted the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy while facing discrimination at home. This contradiction fueled their activism and inspired broader participation in the civil rights movement, as veterans organized efforts to demand desegregation and equal treatment across various sectors of society.
  • In what ways did legal cases like Brown v. Board of Education impact the strategies employed by civil rights activists during the post-war era?
    • Brown v. Board of Education established a legal precedent that dismantled the 'separate but equal' doctrine, encouraging civil rights activists to pursue further legal challenges against segregation. The ruling galvanized grassroots organizations by providing them with a framework for arguing against discriminatory practices in various areas, such as public transportation and housing. This case shifted some strategies from primarily grassroots protests to a more integrated approach that combined legal battles with direct action.
  • Evaluate the role of media coverage in shaping public perception of the post-war civil rights movement and its effects on legislative change.
    • Media coverage played a transformative role in shaping public perception by broadcasting images and stories of peaceful protesters facing violent opposition. Events such as the Birmingham campaign were widely televised, revealing the brutality faced by activists seeking basic rights. This exposure created empathy among viewers across racial lines and galvanized public support for legislative change, ultimately contributing to landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.