The 1860s American Civil War, which caused racism, discrimination, and civil rights issues, will forever be remembered. After this changing time, the government aggressively rebuilt the Union to address the root causes of the war. This essay examines how well these attempts addressed the original causes of the Civil War and its effects. The development of civil rights, racism, and discrimination in the 20th century and the status of the Union are the foundation for our analysis.
Civil Rights and Affirmative Action
African Americans had no civil rights throughout the Civil War, intended to be about slavery and states’ rights. After the war, the administration launched various revolutionary measures to correct these historical injustices. The 13th Amendment ended slavery, changing American history. African American men could vote, and all Americans born or naturalized in the country were awarded citizenship by the 14th and 15th Amendments. (Document Collection 2). The South’s opposition to the amendments led to Jim Crow laws, which segregated and disenfranchised (Document Collection 3). Racial prejudice remained in almost all areas of life due to regulations that divided society and undermined African Americans’ equal rights
The 1954 Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education ended public school segregation 1954 by declaring “separate but equal” unequal. After that, the 1964 Civil Rights Act addressed employment and public accommodation racial discrimination (Document Collection 4). Racial discrimination and segregation were weakening under these legislative attempts. But, due to constant criticism, these policies have been questioned for their efficacy and fairness. Affirmative action supporters think it corrects historical wrongs, while opponents say it promotes reverse discrimination. Although civil rights have been protected, challenges and inequality exist. Educational, criminal, judicial, and societal inequities continue to harm minorities disproportionately. These persisting difficulties show how intricate and deeply ingrained Civil War issues are. Despite the government’s efforts, complicated and persistent civil rights concerns still plague American society.
Racism and Ethnic Discrimination.
Throughout the 20th century, racism and prejudice in American culture cast a dark shadow. These conditions changed and adapted to current times despite admirable legislative efforts. Racist violence like the 1963 Birmingham church bombing and the Ku Klux Klan showed how everyday racism is (Document Collection 5). These horrific attacks showed the nation’s deep-seated prejudices. Discrimination affected many aspects of society beyond violent crimes. Minorities had to overcome redlining to live in desirable communities and reduce the economic gap. Minority populations have educational gaps due to unequal opportunities and resources, making academic success harder, employment discrimination, unequal compensation, and few advancement opportunities disenfranchised minorities (Document Collection 1). In the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement grew and challenged the status quo. This revolution saw bold people and grassroots organizations challenge social norms and demand change. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the March on Washington, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott were pivotal occasions in the fight against racism and discrimination. These steps officially ended segregation and recognized everyone’s civil rights (Document Collection 5). Despite these significant gains, racism and prejudice remained in low-key ways. Racial profiling made minority populations suffer disproportionately and fostered police-minority antagonism. The fact that these concerns persisted until the 20th century shows how difficult it is to eradicate longstanding preconceptions.
The Current State of Our National Union
The US’s current status shows that the Civil War’s repercussions are still felt. Despite its many accomplishments, the US remains highly politically, socially, and racially divided. This separation runs deep in American history, and the Civil War’s effects are still felt today. Political polarization, which has grown in strength, has deepened national divisions. Partisan politics typically widens these differences instead of uniting. Liberals and conservatives are becoming ideologically divided due to media echo chambers and extreme views, making it harder to agree on major topics (Document Collection 4). Recent occurrences have highlighted the rise of white supremacy and racial tensions. Racism has been exposed by police brutality, such as the death of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests. These instances demonstrate how much the Civil War still shapes American culture. The government has worked hard to pass laws and implement policies that preserve equality and end discrimination to solve these longstanding concerns. Despite these attempts, biases and divisions persist. Criminal justice and economic inequality are still elements of systemic racism.
In conclusion, the government’s reconstruction of the Union after the Civil War highlighted historical turning moments in the fight against racism, discrimination, and civil rights. The Reconstruction Amendments showed a dedication to citizenship, ending slavery, and protecting African Americans’ voting rights. Though progress has been achieved, numerous challenges persist. Government is essential in this ever-changing world. It must address the significant issues that sparked the Civil War. It may foster variety, policy reform, and social cohesiveness to avoid the Civil War.
References
(n.d.). DOCUMENT COLLECTION 1: Incorporating formerly enslaved people into American Society [Review of DOCUMENT COLLECTION 1: Incorporating formerly enslaved people into American Society.
(n.d.). DOCUMENT COLLECTION 2: Protecting the Civil Rights of Former Slaves [Review of DOCUMENT COLLECTION 2: Protecting the Civil Rights of formerly enslaved people].
(n.d.). DOCUMENT COLLECTION 3: Healing the Divisions between North and South [Review of DOCUMENT COLLECTION 3: Healing the Divisions between North and South].
(n.d.). Document Collection 4: Integration [Review of Document Collection 4: Integration].
(n.d.). Document Collection 5: Racial Violence [Review of Document Collection 5: Racial Violence].
write