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Definition of Citizenship is Revised
The passing of the fourteenth amendment defined american citizenship to include all people, regardless of race. This provided former African american slaves with the same rights (civil and legal) as any other white male. This is one of the first events that advanced the progress of black citizens in the direction of equality. The fourteenth amendment will spur much of the civil rights movement to follow. -
Plessy V Ferguson
Plessy V Ferguson was a court case that legalized segregation. This court case inspired the phrase "separate but equal" in order to describe how the relationships of different races would interact and coexist. This case will later be repealed by civil rights activists. -
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Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's
The civil rights movement was defined by a series of equality-oriented protests, sit ins, and reforms. The supreme court cases of this time period shaped the quality of life for many U.S. citizens. -
Brown V Board
This supreme court case ruled that "separate but equal" was unconstitutional, and violated the fourteenth amendment. This unanimous decision lead to the desegregation of schools. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
While the Brown V Board case ended segregation in schools, the Civil Rights act of 1964 ended segregation in all public places. This act lead to the passing of the Voting Rights act as well as the Fair Housing act. -
2008 Presidential Elecetion
Barack Obama won the presidential election of 2008, going down in history as the first black president of the United States. This would never have happened if the civil rights movement f the 1950's did not take place. This election was was a climax for the journey of african american advancement in America.
