Effect of African Americans on World War II

Throughout history, many groups have been segregated at one point or another. These groups included Native Americans, Jews, and many many more. Some groups accepted their fate, while others fought to prove who they really were. Really overall, African-Americans at the time of World War II were one of the most segregated and oppressed groups of all time. However, instead of accepting their fate, they chose to prove who they were and are through fighting and other means, such as demonstrations. African-Americans helped in World War II through the 761st Tank Battalion, the Tuskegee Airmen, and other actions off the frontline.

Before World War II, although Abraham Lincoln had spoken the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the U.S. had gone through the Civil War around 1861, not much had significantly changed for African-Americans. Really nothing changed for African-Americans until much later, around the 1960s, when schools legally had to integrate African-Americans and whites. In relation to other events, World War II began in 1939, Jackie Robinson started on first base in 1947, and Rosa Parks was arrested in 1961. Therefore, at the time leading up to and shortly before World War II, there was not much effective action in terms of equal rights for all races. However, as seen here, after World War II, equality between races became a very prominent, pressing issue. This can partially be traced back to the effect of African-Americans in World War II.

One of the first groups that come to mind when people think of African-Americans in World War II is the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of all African-American fighters who led the charge for equal rights of all races in World War II. They were the first African-Americans...

... middle of paper ...

...en << Red Tail Squadron Red Tail Squadron.” Rd Tail Squadron. Accessed March 29, 2014. http://www.redtail.org/the-airmen-a-brief-history/.

“Training for War <

“War Record << Red Tail Squadron Red Tail Squadron.” Red Tail Squadron. Accessed March 30, 2014. http://www.redtail.org/the-airmen-a-brief-history/war-record/.

This website is reliable because it is the website of a commemorative Red Tail group that honors the Tuskegee Airmen.

“Women In Military Service For America Memorial.” Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Accessed March 30, 2014. http://www.womensmemorial.org/Education/BBH1998.html.#4.

This website is reliable because it is a website made to educate and teach about women in the military.