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Desegregation In The 1950's

1011 Words5 Pages

Up until the 1964 Civil Rights Act, courts had little to no impact on social reformation regarding desegregation. Once the federal government decided to step in on these social issues, real change emerged. Courts had a tough time overcoming constraints. As a result, minorities relied on higher forms of political power to ensure equality among several topics. In the 1950’s, states had either laws or no laws about segregation. As a high topic of controversy, states came the notion of whether desegregation was worth it or not. By attempting to change social norms, problems such as, violence could erupt. However, with so many cases involving minorities being oppressed and courts unable to maintain an unbiased point of view, the federal government …show more content…

For instance, a study was conducted by the Voter Education Project of Southern Regional Council studies, that indicated that counties with federal examiners saw increases in black registered voters. Like education, voting rights was a complex topic that required federal backing to ensure its success. Not to mention, civil cases cost significantly more money. Without that support, litigations of discrimination would have taken years for blacks to vote. At first, the Presidents during the 1950s and 1960s wanted little to do with civil rights. The main political power involved was at the state level. In fact, “at least 136 new laws and state constitutional amendments designed to preserve segregation had been enacted. (p. 79). As stated before, real change can only come from the federal government. Political leaders make a positive or negative impact on social issues, rather they involve themselves or not. President Kennedy openly expressed himself in favor of social reformation. However, he did so …show more content…

In 1961, the ICC “adopted more stringent regulations” (p. 64). In other words, the ICC had the authority to enforce desegregation laws, with the aid of the federal government. Before, the ICC would concern itself with nonracial dilemmas involving passengers. However, if the troubles related to discrimination, the ICC would normally pass it onto the Department of Justice. During this time, transportation segregation was handled by the courts, thus little was accomplished. Once the 1964 Civil Rights Act passed, “segregation in transportation essentially ended.” (p.65). Similarly, segregation in public areas, such as restaurants, invoked further action by the federal government. Sit-ins were a way for black citizens to protest. These involved usually sitting in a store or restaurants, which didn’t allow blacks. Although, deemed illegal by many southern states, the cases were almost always turned over by the Supreme Court. Thus, case after case, the federal government was pressured to prohibit discrimination in private establishments, that served the

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