Lesson 3: Jim Crow Laws

Introduction

 Important Icon In this lesson, we will discuss what Jim Crow laws were, where they came from, and how they were unjust. Important Icon

 

Focus Questions:

What were Jim Crow laws?

Why is it important to treat people equally? 

How were other people treated unfairly?

Jim Crow Laws

Welcome Back!

Today, we will take a closer look at Jim Crow laws. These laws existed mostly in the South and were based on race. They enforced segregation between white people and black people in public places such as schools, transportation, restrooms, and restaurants. They also made it difficult for black people to vote.

After the Civil War there was a time period where the federal government controlled the southern states called Reconstruction. After the Reconstruction period, the state governments took back over. Most Jim Crow laws were put in place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of them were enforced until the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Why Jim Crow? The name "Jim Crow" comes from an African-American character in a song from 1832. After the song came out, the term "Jim Crow" was often used to refer to African-Americans and soon the segregation laws became known as "Jim Crow" laws.

These laws prevented African Americans from having basic rights that were guaranteed in the United States Constitution. To learn more about these laws, proceed to the activity below.

 

Assignment

For this activity, you will take a look at examples of Jim Crow laws from various states. Although this is a lengthy list, it is nowhere complete and the laws are much more expansive than what is listed here. Once you have read through the laws, please complete the reflection questions that follow. I look forward to hearing your perspective on these laws.

Go to the next page to complete the Jim Crow Laws Activity

African-Americans began to organize, protest, and fight segregation and the Jim Crow laws in the 1900s. Change would eventually come, but it would take until the mid 1950s - 1960s. We will learn about that in later lessons.

 

Once you have read through the laws, please complete the reflection questions that follow. I look forward to hearing your perspective on these laws.

 

Lesson 3- Jim Crow Laws Questions.pptx Download Lesson 3- Jim Crow Laws Questions.pptx

 

   

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