Prejudice post-civil war
Note: To reflect the time period and issues faced by black Americans this film features some language and opinions from the era that are considered inappropriate today
In the southern states of the USA, racism was deeply embedded in society.
Although slavery was declared illegal in 1863, it existed until the end of the Civil War in 1865 and the idea of white supremacy remained strong in the southern states.
Two amendments were made to the American ConstitutionThe supreme law of the United States, first signed in 1787. to correct this.
14th Amendment 1868
No state shall make any law which shall reduce the rights of citizens of the United States
.
15th Amendment 1870
The right of the American citizens to vote shall not be denied because of race or colour
.
These appeared to give black people equal rights to white people.
However, southern states continued to pass laws to keep black and white people separate. These laws became known as the 'Jim Crow lawsThe laws that introduced segregation in the US South (the laws that kept black people and white people apart).' laws.
Segregation meant that white and black people had to be separated within society.
The areas of society affected by this included religion, healthcare, entertainment and education. Black people generally had the worst jobs and the poorest standard of education.
Many laws were passed in different states during the years 1870 – 1900 which added to segregation.
There will be a separate building... on separate ground for the admission, care, instruction and support of all blind persons of the colored or black race".
It shall be unlawful for colored people to use any park for the use and enjoyment of white persons...and unlawful for any white person to use any park for the use and benefit of colored persons".
Separate schools shall be maintained for the children of the White and colored races".
The state librarian is directed to fit up and maintain a separate place for the use of the colored people who may come to the library for the purpose of reading books or periodicals".
All marriages between a white person and a person of negro …are hereby forever prohibited".
