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How important were divisions in the black community as an obstacle to the achievement of civil rights for black people, up to 1941? - Scottish Highers History - Question 35 - 2019
Question 35
How important were divisions in the black community as an obstacle to the achievement of civil rights for black people, up to 1941?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How important were divisions in the black community as an obstacle to the achievement of civil rights for black people, up to 1941? - Scottish Highers History - Question 35 - 2019
Step 1
Divisions in the black community
Answer
Divisions within the black community significantly impacted the achievement of civil rights up to 1941. Several organizations aimed to improve conditions for black Americans, often with differing philosophies. For instance, groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) emphasized a legal approach to fighting discrimination, while the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), led by Marcus Garvey, advocated for a more radical stance. The disagreement between these organizations often led to a lack of unified effort against racial injustices.
Furthermore, these divisions weakened the communal response to systemic racism, leaving the community fragmented and less effective in its civil rights efforts.
Step 2
Legal impediments
Answer
Legal impediments also played a crucial role in obstructing civil rights for black people. The Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities which severely limited black Americans' access to rights and resources. For example, when President Wilson endorsed segregation in federal offices, it reinforced the notion that inequalities were acceptable.
Additionally, when the Supreme Court ruled that segregation did not violate the Constitution, it emboldened these discriminatory practices and left black Americans without essential legal protections.
Step 3
Popular prejudice
Answer
Popular prejudice against black Americans was another major obstacle. The stigmas associated with African Americans, propagated through societal norms and political rhetoric, perpetuated racial biases that complicated collective action for civil rights. These prejudices often deterred white allies from supporting black rights movements, creating an isolating environment that hindered overall progress.
Step 4
Activities of the Ku Klux Klan
Answer
The activities of the Ku Klux Klan also created a hostile environment for civil rights activism. Established in the 1860s, the Klan sought to maintain white supremacy through violence and intimidation, particularly aimed at thwarting the progress of black Americans. The resurgence of the KKK in the 1920s, alongside legislation supporting segregation, further intimidated civil rights activists and stymied their efforts.
Step 5
Lack of political influence
Answer
A substantial lack of political influence within the black community compounded these challenges. Disenfranchisement efforts, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, effectively excluded many black people from the political process. This political marginalization prevented them from advocating for their rights and holding elected officials accountable, leaving systemic inequities unchallenged.