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The Arrival
The arrival of Africans in the Colonies was significant because it was the beginning of slavery in this country as well as the beginning of a black race of people who have contributed so much to a nation that they helped build. It was the beginning of African Americans. It was also the first show of cruelty because they were forced from their home, in Africa, and kept in unsuitable conditions on ships, their entire migration across the Atlantic ocean. -
Independence
The war for Independence was huge for African Americans. They fought for the side that guaranteed freedom. At the close of the war and with the Colonies Victory (thanks to African Americans on both sides), many African Americans began to hope for freedom, and many whites began to realize the oppression that slavery may cause. -
The Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was another blow to the African American people; they didn’t even count as a whole person (and the only reason they were considered was to better the larger states’ standing in politics). The South owned the majority of slaves so they gained representation for their constituency however the slaves did not have a vote. This was one of many injustices the African American people suffered. -
Segregation
Segregation was around almost as long as blacks and whites coexisted. This was important because while slaves were free from their masters and could live on their own and hold jobs, they still were not equal with white people. And that was what many wanted, fairness and equality with all of man kind. -
The Abolitionist Movement
The Abolitionist Movement was important because it wasn’t just the blacks that realized their treatment was unfair. Many people in the North began to realize this too, and the North became a safe haven for many blacks. This was the first step toward emancipation from the slave masters. It was also a light of shining hope in the distant for all slaves, the dream of freedom was restored and pointed North. -
The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad helped so many slaves reach safety in the North. It was important because those helping to organize it were understanding of the mistreatment of the black slaves. It was also important because it was an organized escape along predetermined routes. It meant there was a driving force of people opposed to slavery and willing to risk their lives to help those enslave, escape. -
Crops
With the growth of rice, sugar, tobacco and cotton crops, there was a growth in slavery. As the crops grew in size so did the demand for workers, which resulted in more slave’s forced migration from Africa to America. The demand for these items grew, which cause longer hours for the slaves to work and cruel punishment if they did not obey. -
The Civil War
Civil War erupted between the Union and the Confederates over slavery. This was the first giant leap that was taken to abolish slavery altogether. Even though Lincoln’s objective was to preserve the union first, he came to see that emancipation of slavery was directly tied to preserving that Union. -
The KKK
The KKK was a group that bonded over their hate for African Americans (and eventually grew to hate more groups). This is significant because it shows the hate that African Americans endured because a group was created just because they hated blacks. The KKK fueled the rage that burned within all African Americans, and when the time came for a chance at freedom they remembered those hateful actions and words and were inspired even more to break free for their oppression. The KKK reminds us of the -
The Freedmen's Bureau Bill and the Civil Rights Act
The Freedmen’s Bureau Bill also know as the first Civil Rights Act was proposed in 1866, and declared any person born in America was a citizen. That was important because as the generation progressed all slaves were born in America, which meant they too were entitled to the rights protected by the government. -
The Right to Vote
The blacks received the right to vote in 1870. It was put into effect after the Civil War. It began to move the Country toward equality. The right to vote was also allowed because it granted blacks the right to have a voice in labor contacts. For blacks to have there own land would have been very rare and unheard of, and unfortunately it still was for more years to come. -
The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a creative time period for blacks because it allowed many blacks to get their work published (poems, plays etc.), and it allowed them to act in plays and perform music. This was important because it showed the intelligence, creativity, and talent of the African Americans and proved they had a lot to offer the world just like whites did. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was hard for everyone especially the blacks. Any financial advance they had made since the Civil War was practically erased. This was important because it showed the huge gap between the blacks and whites. Many blacks fell into poverty much quicker than the whites. This inequality made black people more determined to gain equal rights in this country. The NAACP became a more effective advocate for Civil Rights during the Depression. -
The New Deal
The New Deal was important because while some of the policies (AAA, FERA, and CCC) implemented benefited only the whites, others were equal and benefited both. It showed that not only whites needed help during and after The Great Depression, but also the blacks needed even more assistance and were equally important too. -
WWII
WWII raised the country out of Depression with aircraft factories and ship yards hiring unemployed workers, however the segregation continued so black people faced “white only” signs including the Marines and Army. Blacks became even more united threatening a march on Washington. President Roosevelt signed Order 8802 allowing black workers employment in the defense industry and government. -
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was an inspiration to blacks everywhere, and broke the barrier between segregated sports teams. It showed the athletic talent that African Americans harbored and they had a right to bring the talent to the big leagues regardless of color. He was the first of many blacks to join the MLB, but if it wasn’t for Jackie’s courage, blacks could have been kept out of baseball for many more years to come. -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks helped start the modern civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white man. Many blacks were fed up with inequality and stood up for their rights and Rosa Parks became a symbol of defiance and had a huge impact on black communities. She was a prominent black figurehead for her defiance and was commended for her bravery by the black community and showed many others they could stand for what they believe. -
Martian Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a huge figurehead for African Americans and he stood up for the rights of blacks everywhere. Everyone listened and thousands came to his speeches. Along with Rosa Parks, he inspired hope for the blacks and their dream to be equals. He was integral to the signing of the Civil Rights Act. His assassination was even more of a rallying event for equality. -
The Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act in 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, sex, or religion; this was a huge success for African Americans and many other groups. Which meant segregation was outlawed as well in all public places. African Americans no longer had to submit to the segregation imposed on them for so long, which was nothing short of a blessing. -
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was the first elected black president. Our country and many others around the world congratulated the U.S. and Obama, for this monumental step for African Americans. It showed American and the world what blacks were capable of, they could run a government; they could inspire a country and be a force of hope for blacks all around the world. -
The Future
While the African Americans have overcome so much and made huge strides within our country, there is still a lot they have to deal with; just this week an unarmed black man was fatally shot multiple times by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri and the racial unrest there is mounting everyday. Almost all blacks and whites strive for a day where the color of ones skin isn’t even taken into consideration, and everyone is judged by their character.
