Jim Crow Laws

847 Words2 Pages

“Jim Crow was more than a series of rigid anti-black laws. It was a way of life.” (“What was Jim Crow?”). The laws created a divided America and made the United States a cruel place for over 70 years. The Jim Crow Laws caused segregation in the education system, social segregation, and limited job opportunities for African Americans. Although the 13th Amendment ended slavery, it did not solve the problem of unjust treatment towards African Americans. “Jim Crow Laws were laws in the South 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” (“Civil Rights for Kids”). These laws promoted the idea of “separate but equal”. “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” (“Civil Rights for Kids”). These laws created segregation and made white Americans superior to all other races. The laws were in place for 77 years, but the harsh effects lasted for many years to come. A major effect of the Jim Crow Laws was segregation in the education system. Although children of any race were now allowed to go to school, white children got a better education and overall experience in school. One law stated, “[The County Board of Education] shall provide schools of two kinds; those for white children and those for colored children” (“Jim Crow Laws”). The majority of schools for colored children were overcrowded and unequipped for quality learning. African American children used old textbooks wit... ... middle of paper ... ...the Jim Crow South Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. "Civil Rights for Kids: Jim Crow Laws." Ducksters. Technological Solutions, Inc. (TSI), Apr. 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2014. . Gratton, Charles. "Jim Crow Stories." PBS. PBS, 2002. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. . "Jim Crow Laws." Jim Crow Laws. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. . Pilgrim, David. "What Was Jim Crow?" What Was Jim Crow. Ferris State University, Sept. 2000. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. . United States. National Park Service. "Jim Crow Laws." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 06 Apr. 2014. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. .

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