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Jan 1, 1472
Atlantic Slave Trade
The Trade's Influence on Ethnic and Racial Identity
Not only did the Atlantic Slave Trade begin a centuries-long system of oppression for African Americans, but it also was the initial intention of Eurpoeans to institute Pan-Africanism, containing and controlling the continent and its inhabitants. -
Jan 1, 1492
Racism = White Supremacy
White Supremacist System
Racism has been a driving factor for many events in world history, particularly slavery. It was also Hitler's basis for building the Nazi Regime and carrying out the Holocaust. In American history, anti-black racism goes hand in hand with white supremacy; historically, many whites believed in the innate inferiority of all black people. -
Enlightenment
Black Enlightenment
The Enlightenment's prioritization of the individual led to careers of the first black intellectuals, including poet Phillis Wheatley and scientist/mathematician Benjamin Banneker. Although the number of black intellectuals was limited at this time, Wheatley and Banneker paved the way for more black intellectuals to influence American culture. -
Blacks in The Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War
Even after black men served in major Revolutionary battles (they fought for both the Patriot and Loyalist sides), Washington's allowing them to join the Continental Army only when it meant the difference between winning and losing the war exemplifies the historical attitude towards blacks from white leaders. -
Abolitionism in America
Abolitionist Movement
The first antislavery society in the world was organized by Philadlephia Quakers in 1775 and revitalized in 1784 after the War for Independence. Abolitionist ideas became increasingly popular in Northern churches and politics in the following decades, and this movement would separate the North and the South even more ideologically leading up to the Civil War. -
U.S. Constitution
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/three-fifths-compromise
The U.S. Constitution became a major force in the continued enslavement of African Americans. The Three-Fifths Clause gave the South enormous political advantage over the North, and another clause would form the basis for the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793. -
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Thomas Jefferson on the African Race
The Three-Fifths Clause helped this slaveholder defeat Adams in the 1800 election. He drafted the Declaration of Independence and his administration oversaw the Louisiana Purchase. Often hailed for nearly doubling the size of the United States, the Purchase also accelerated the domestic slave trade. -
Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad
One of the most interesting facts about the Underground Railroad is that we don't know all the facts. The nature of the railroad was so secretive that there is probably much information we may never have. With the Underground Railroad, thousands of slaves were able to escape by migrating north with the aid of fellow ex-slaves and other abolitionist-minded people. -
Civil War
Afircan American Soldiers in The Civil War
The Civil War was the culmination of rivalry over the issue of slavery. Again, black people attempt to volunteer for military service and are rejected, this time by President Lincoln. The bloodiest war in American History reminds us of some of the terrors brought about by slavery. -
Emancipation Proclamation
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/01/opinion/the-emancipation-of-abe-lincoln.html
The Emancipation Proclamation finally freed millions of slaves across the whole nation. Although there were limits to the Proclamation, it was the first official ban on slavery, and it was the key in ending the Civil War. -
14th Amendment
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment passed by Republicans in Congress compelled states to accept their residents as citizens. Blacks had still faced many difficulties in attaining equal rights after the Civil War ended, and this was a necessary steo in their gaining actual freedom. -
15th Amendment
15th Amendment
The passing and ratification of the 15th Amendment was a high point in the Reconstruction Era because it generated a greater sense of hope among black people in the political system. Despite further challenges, blacks would soon assume their equitable role in American society. -
Booker T. Washington vs. W.E.B. Du Bois
Washington vs. Du Bois
In the late 1800s, blacks were still striving to achieve true equality in the U.S. These two men had very different views on how to achieve equality, yet both had a significant number of followers. Washington's movement was strong until his death in 1915, when Du Bois' popularity increased substantially. -
Segregation
Segregation
Segregation was the accepted way of life for many Americans over a span of decades. In the context of African American history from its beginnings, it was the culmination of repeated strikes against an entire race, and it was based heavily on the belief that blacks were inferior to whites. -
NAACP
NAACP
The NAACP became a major force in fighting for equality among blacks since its founding in 1909. In just 4 years (1916-1920) its members grew from 9,000 to 90,000, and the organization remains today a huge support system for black Americans struggling for equal rights and protection. -
Second New Deal
Second New Deal
Roosevelt's "First" New Deal was slow-moving and full of empty promises for black Americans. This new set of laws actually strengthened the federal government, which in turn strengthened the civil rights movement. It only increased the number of blacks who switched to the Democratic Party. -
Executive Order 9981
Executive Order 9981: Integration of the Armed Forces
It was not officially until 1948 that the U.S. armed forces by law could allow no more segregation within the U.S. military. The military population was obviously not representative of the national population, but this marked the beginning of systemic desegregation in the U.S. -
Civil Rights Movement
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement goes to show that political and social corruption can be challenged by strength in numbers. King and others were truly great leaders, yet it took more than a few to inspire real change. After the 1960s, desegregation still did not improve many poor blacks' lives, and the struggles certainly remain for many of them today. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This act made voting a more even playing field, registering over 80,000 new voters. It was the result of protests on Selma and massive white resistance. -
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
King's name goes down in history as much more than a January holiday. He was the peaceful, non-violent protester among so many hate crimes against blacks. His dream - his vision - certainly did not die with him when he was tragically assassinated.
