New deal and WW2

• What event marked the end of a decade of economic prosperity in the USA?

  The stock market crash of October 1929
• What was the unemployment rate in the USA during the Great Depression?

  25%
• Who was the president elected in 1932 that promised a 'New Deal'?


  Franklin D. Roosevelt
• What were the main components of Roosevelt's 'New Deal'?


  Reforms to the financial system, government support for industry and agriculture, and social welfare
• How did the Great Depression impact African Americans compared to white Americans?


  Unemployment rates for African Americans were often twice those among white Americans
• What was the effect of the collapse of cotton prices during the Great Depression on African Americans in the South?


  It caused massive unemployment among African Americans dependent on the cotton industry
• How did the Great Depression affect the lower middle class African Americans?


  Their businesses suffered from fewer and poorer customers
• What fueled racist employment practices during the Great Depression?

  The Depression reversed gains made by African Americans in securing employment
• What was the impact of the NAACP and Marcus Garvey during the Great Depression?


  They contributed to stronger African American resistance to discrimination
• What tactic did African Americans in Chicago use to ensure employment during the Great Depression?


  Boycotts of retail stores that refused to employ them
• How many cities did the boycotts spread to during the 1930s?

  35 cities
• What criticism has been directed at the New Deal regarding African Americans?


  It often failed to address the needs of African Americans
• What percentage of African American workers were still unemployed in large cities by 1941?


  25%
• What was the purpose of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?


  To prevent overproduction in agriculture by subsidizing farmers
• How many African American sharecroppers were evicted due to the AAA in the 1930s?


  200,000 sharecroppers
• Who often headed the committees running the AAA at a local level?

  Southern Democrats unsympathetic to African American tenant farmers
• What discriminatory practice did the National Recovery Administration (NRA) permit?


  Unequal pay between African Americans and white Americans
• What type of work camps did the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) organize?


  Segregated work camps for African Americans
• What was the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) criticized for during the New Deal?


  Using segregated accommodation for African Americans
• What percentage of African American families were receiving relief by 1935?


  30%
• How many African American families were employed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA)?


  Approximately 1 million families
• What was the investment in African American schools and hospitals by the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1933 and 1936?


  Four times the amount spent by all governments since 1900
• How did President Roosevelt approach civil rights?


  He was cautious and displayed no interest in civil rights legislation
• Why did Roosevelt not support anti-lynching legislation?

  He depended on southern Democrat votes for New Deal legislation
• What was formed to provide advice on racial matters to New Deal agencies?

  A 'Black Cabinet'
• Who were some influential African American leaders appointed to federal jobs during Roosevelt's administration?

  Mary McLeod Bethune and Robert C. Weaver
• What significant action did Roosevelt take in 1938 regarding civil rights?

  He signed an executive order creating the Civil Rights Section of the Justice Department
• What was Eleanor Roosevelt's stance on racism and civil rights?


  She was outspoken in opposing racism and supporting civil rights
• What were the impacts of the New Deal on African American political allegiance?


  • Shift in political allegiance from Republicans to Democrats
  • In 1932, 75% of AAs voted Republican
  • In 1936, 75% of AAs voted Democrat
  • Continued support for Democrats in 1940 and 1944 elections
• What were the long-term impacts of the New Deal on African Americans?

  • Increased awareness of the value of federal support
  • Realization of potential for federal government assistance
  • Experience of WWII further emphasized this point
• What were the impacts of WWII on African Americans regarding employment?


  • Increased employment opportunities as white labor declined
  • AA war workers increased from 3% in 1942 to 8% in 1945
  • Average AA income rose from 41% to 48% of white income by 1949
• What was the significance of Executive Order 8802?

  It prohibited racial discrimination in hiring for defense contracts
• What was the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) established for?

  To ensure compliance with Executive Order 8802
• What was the outcome of A. Philip Randolph's threat to march on Washington?

  It led to the signing of Executive Order 8802
• What was the public opinion regarding African Americans' chances to make a good living by 1944?

  55% of Americans believed AAs had the same chances as white Americans
• What were the impacts of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)?

  • Founded in 1942
  • Believed in non-violent protests against racial discrimination
  • Sit-ins in 1943 led to desegregation of cinemas and restaurants in several cities
• What were the significant Supreme Court cases sponsored by the NAACP?

  1. Gaines v Canada (1938): 'Separate but equal' must be truly equal
  2. Smith v Allwright (1944): All-white primary elections unconstitutional
• What was the impact of the Gaines v Canada case on African American teachers' salaries?

  By 1946, AA schoolteachers' salaries in southern states rose to 79% of white teachers' salaries
• What barriers still existed for African Americans voting after the Smith v Allwright case?

  Literacy tests and poll tax restrictions
• What were the impacts of racial violence during the migration of African Americans to northern cities?

  • Racial tensions escalated, leading to violence
  • The worst violence occurred in Detroit in 1943
  • 25 AAs and 9 whites were killed, with significant injuries and damage