History and World War II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History and World War II - Essay Example Many could feel the changes coming after the war. African Americans had made considerable contributions to the war effort despite being limited to black battalions in the Army, and ship’s wards in the navy (servants). They felt (and rightly so) that they had earned an equal place in American Society. The return of soldiers was different dependent based upon race. Initially, in the cities, integration naturally occurred. Different races lived and worked side by side. That quickly changed with white families moving to the newly built suburbs and black families moving into the cities to be closer to factory jobs. In essence, society re-segregated itself. â€Å"Class based spatial segregation, which has risen since 1970, is magnified by racial discrimination.† The black poor neighborhoods felt a disproportionate amount of economic pain and discrimination. What the African Americans wanted most was equal economic and social status. Although written before the Great War, the following quote sums up the feelings of the African American community post World War Two: â€Å"A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterward. More than that no man is entitled to and no less than that no man shall have. Theodore Roosevelt, Springfield, Illinois July 4th, 1903†. The United States military quickened the process of social equity in this country. Franklin Roosevelt signed an order in 1941 prohibiting discrimination in defense industries. Harry Truman ordered desegregation in the military in 1948. ... They felt (and rightly so) that they had earned an equal place in American Society. The return of soldiers was different dependent based upon race. Initially, in the cities, integration naturally occurred. Different races lived and worked side by side4. That quickly changed with white families moving to the newly built suburbs and black families moving into the cities to be closer to factory jobs. In essence society re-segregated itself. "Class based spatial segregation, which has risen since 1970, is magnified by racial discrimination."5 The black poor neighborhoods felt a disproportionate amount of economic pain and discrimination. What the African Americans wanted most was equal economic and social status.6 Although written before the Great War, the following quote sums up the feelings of the African American community post World War Two: "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterward. More than that no man is entitled to and no less than that no man shall have. Theodore Roosevelt, Springfield, Illinois July 4th 1903".7 The United States military quickened the process of social equity in this country. Franklin Roosevelt signed an order in 1941 prohibiting discrimination in defense industries.8 Harry Truman ordered desegregation in the military in 1948. Dwight D. Eisenhower sent troops to ensure desegregation of Central High School in little Rock Arkansas. With the military and Federal Government in the lead the rest of the country slowly followed toward ending social inequities. 3. Politics and the Economy. World War I introduced the United States as a world power and World War II certainly solidified its position in global politics. Prior to World War Two the United States was