The Change for Minority Groups after World War II

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World War II brought enormous change for minority groups in America. African Americans were discriminated against in the Navy and through the army’s War Department, despite discrimination being banned in the Selective Service Act. The War Department stated that allowing African Americans serve together with whites would lower the morale of the white officers (“The Home Front”). In the book “The Home Front,” the author states, “Many top officials also believed, without any supporting evidence, that African Americans were not brave and disciplined enough to serve in combat units, even if they were segregated from whites.” This was to be completely disproven by the heroic actions of many African Americans, and their skill in fighting. The desegregation of the United States’ military resulted in newfound respect and reverence towards African Americans. Through the leadership skills of General Benjamin O. Davis, the successes of the Tuskegee Airmen and their willingness to overcome racism, and the heroism of Doris Miller and Leonard Harmon, the American public was able to understand the aptitude and perseverance of African Americans. General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., son of General Benjamin O. Davis Sr., trained with the first class of Tuskegee Airmen to be accepted for Air Corps training. During pilot training, rumors of Davis’s ability began circling. One officer was quoted as saying that Davis seemed to be called to Commander of the ninety-ninth squadron out of nowhere. Another officer said Davis was nowhere near as skilled a pilot as George S. Roberts, a Captain who had already proven his leadership experience. Despite all of these claims, Davis graduated from the program and received his pilot wings. In May of 1942, Davis was prom... ... middle of paper ... ..., 2000. 105-129. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 May 2014. “The Inspiring And True Story of The Tuskegee Airmen.” Current Events, a Weekly Reader publication ll Feb. 2000: 2a. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. "Minorities on the Home Front." American Home Front in World War II. Ed. Allison McNeill, et al. Vol. 1: Almanac. Detroit: UXL, 2005. 86-103. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 11 May 2014. “Tuskegee Airmen.” UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History. Sonia Benson, Daniel E. Brannen, Jr.,and Rebecca Valentine. Vol. 8. Detroit: UXL, 2009. 1586. U.S. History in Context. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. "US People--HARMON, LEONARD ROY." US People--HARMON, LEONARD ROY. N.p., 2 Feb. 1999. Web. 9 May 2014. "WWII--GOLDEN THIRTEEN - AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THE U.S. NAVY." WWII GOLDEN THIRTEEN - AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THE U.S. NAVY. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2014.

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