🔺 Reconstruction in Economics and Soceity Day 128

Reconstruction in Economics and Society - Day 128

Introduction

In our last lesson, we learned about how the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were created to help reconstruct politics in the southern states. We also learned that the southern states refused to accept these amendments and instead created “Black Codes”. Today we will learn about another example of the unequal, political treatment of former slaves.     

In the South, politicians developed policies of racial segregation. Segregation means the separation of people based usually on race or religion. In the United States, it meant the separation of whites from African Americans in daily life. The Supreme Court said the laws were constitutional in 1896. An example of these laws were the Jim Crow laws. The Jim Crow laws created a "separate but equal" system for African Americans. These laws set up unfair taxes and tests which kept former slaves from voting. 

The Jim Crow Laws were enforced between 1876 and 1965. These laws allowed for the continued mistreatment of African Americans. During this time, brave people began to fight again for social justice and reform. These people were known as Civil Rights Activists.

Task Icon Reconstruction in Education and Society - Jim Crow laws and MLK

Today we will learn about one of the most iconic Civil Rights Activists, Dr. Martin Luther King, and how he rallied the efforts of others to fight for social reform. Let’s begin by watching a video. While you watch the video, use your journal and write down what you think in response to the following questions:

  1. How did Dr. Martin Luther King fight against Jim Crow laws?
  2. This video focuses on an event that happened in 1964. Why do you think Jim Crow laws lasted as long as they did without change?
  3. Would you have been as brave as Dr. Martin Luther King? 

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