2.1

• What laws enforced segregation in the 1950s in the United States?


  Jim Crow laws
• What facilities were segregated under Jim Crow laws?

  Schools, restaurants, libraries, cinemas, parks, and public transport
• What methods did Southern states use to prevent African Americans from voting?

  Literacy tests, poll tax, violence, and intimidation
• How did the situation differ for African Americans in the North compared to the South?

  In the North, there were fewer legal barriers, but racism and discrimination still existed
• What were the economic conditions for African Americans in the North during the 1950s?

  Wages were lower and unemployment was higher
• What was a common occurrence in the South regarding violence against black men?

  Black men suspected of crimes were frequently attacked
• How did the police contribute to the issues faced by African Americans in the South?

  The police were often racist, leading to suspects being found not guilty
• What was the role of the three branches of government in enforcing civil rights?

  They could have acted to enforce civil rights but did not
• Why was Congress unable to oppose Southern politicians regarding civil rights?

  Congress needed the support of racist Southern politicians
• How did the Supreme Court influence civil rights during this period?

  The Supreme Court was influenced by judges who were often against civil rights
• What significant case exemplified the Supreme Court's stance on civil rights?

  Plessy versus Ferguson