Notes RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT

 Why was there a change in the attitude of the American government towards racial 

discrimination after the Second World War?

Answer 

The change in the attitude of the American government towards racial discrimination after the Second World War was influenced by several factors, which are crucial for understanding the Civil Rights Movement.

1. Impact of World War II..

 The war had a profound effect on American society. African Americans served in large numbers in the military, and their contributions highlighted the contradiction between fighting for freedom abroad while facing discrimination at home. This experience increased the demand for civil rights and equality.

2. Global Pressure and Cold War Context: 

After the war, the United States emerged as a global superpower, promoting democracy and freedom worldwide. However, racial segregation and discrimination at home damaged the country's image on the international stage. The Cold War intensified this, as the U.S. needed to project an image of moral superiority over the Soviet Union, which often criticized America's racial policies.

3. Civil Rights Activism: 

The post-war period saw a rise in civil rights activism. Organizations like the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) became more active, challenging segregation and discrimination through legal battles and organized protests. Landmark cases, such as *Brown v. Board of Education* (1954), which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, reflected this shift.

4. Economic Factors: 

The post-war economic boom also played a role. With the expansion of industries and urbanization, African Americans migrated to northern and western cities in large numbers, increasing their political influence. The growing African American electorate began to exert pressure on politicians to address issues of racial inequality.

5. Moral and Ethical Considerations: 

The horrors of the Holocaust and the fight against fascism led many Americans to re-evaluate their own society’s treatment of minorities. The growing awareness and criticism of racism as a moral issue led to greater public support for government action to combat racial discrimination.

These factors collectively contributed to the American government's changing attitude towards racial discrimination, setting the stage for the Civil Rights Movement and the eventual passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s.