With the outbreak of World War II, millions of Americans became involved in the American cause. Among those involved were the African American population of the United States. However, even though America was fighting in the war to attempt to spread democracy, their own country was going against the idea of a government "of the people, by the people, for the people." African Americans weren't being treated as equals and were being denied their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including fighting for their country, obtaining jobs, and even voting. Over 1 million African Americans had been drafted for the war, hoping to find respect and nationalism, but after joining, they saw their rights as human-beings were being restricted.
Despite victories in places outside of the United States, many realized that “victory” in the United States was not achieved. For example, numerous race riots occurred in large cities where there was still racial discrimination. An idea was introduced by the Pittsburgh Courier and popularized by the Chicago Defender newspapers that declared the desire for civil rights’ “Victory at Home, Victory Abroad,” otherwise known as the Double V Campaign. This Campaign and the protests involved effectively brought light upon the civil rights issue that had been overlooked in the past, resulting in the Long Civil Rights Movement, more recognition for the movement in the American government and, eventually, victory in their homeland.
Despite victories in places outside of the United States, many realized that “victory” in the United States was not achieved. For example, numerous race riots occurred in large cities where there was still racial discrimination. An idea was introduced by the Pittsburgh Courier and popularized by the Chicago Defender newspapers that declared the desire for civil rights’ “Victory at Home, Victory Abroad,” otherwise known as the Double V Campaign. This Campaign and the protests involved effectively brought light upon the civil rights issue that had been overlooked in the past, resulting in the Long Civil Rights Movement, more recognition for the movement in the American government and, eventually, victory in their homeland.
Top left: Newspapers and other propaganda promote the Campaign.
Top right: A flyer expresses the right and responsibility of every man, including African Americans, to fight for their
country.
Bottom: A newspaper article advertises the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and, in doing so, reveals that the
"democracy" that the government claims they had, didn't have equal representation for all citizens.
Top right: A flyer expresses the right and responsibility of every man, including African Americans, to fight for their
country.
Bottom: A newspaper article advertises the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and, in doing so, reveals that the
"democracy" that the government claims they had, didn't have equal representation for all citizens.