The class text provides a thorough understanding of the concept of freedom and the great depression. In the reading about black reconstruction, the theme of freedom is clearly explained. The Black reconstruction dramatically increased African-American freedom and exhibited African-American capability and equality. African-Americans were allowed to vote at this time, and in some circumstances, they made up the majority of voters since white Americans refused to vote when black men could vote (White et al., 2021).
Furthermore, blacks were elected to construct the constitution, and black delegates fought for the rights of freedpeople and all Americans. Despite these achievements, African-Americans still do not have equal rights. Even during the 1920s, when the American economy was booming, and most Americans were prospering, most blacks did not. The Great Depression wiped out some of their small victories, making life even more difficult for them. The class readings explain black reconstruction and the Great Depression and how they impacted African-American freedom.
Through black participation in politics and economic pursuits, the Black reconstruction supported African-American freedom. Approximately 2,000 blacks served in government offices in various capacities throughout this time (White et al., 2021). Even though more than half of them had been slaves, they had become committed and educated. Shopkeepers, artisans, workers, business people, carpenters, barbers, clergypersons, teachers, editors, publishers, storekeepers, and merchants were among them, with some also serving as sheriffs, and police officers, and members of the city council (White et al. 2021). Serving in these positions provided African-Americans with the financial freedom and platform to serve the interests of both blacks and whites, including southerners.
Furthermore, due to their ability to vote and compete for posts, some blacks served as lawmakers and house members. African-Americans were now able to enjoy the freedom that they had never had before. Many African-American slaves who were previously denied their political rights were suddenly becoming increasingly politically active. At all levels of government, black people participated in politics, voted, and held positions.
The fifth amendment was eventually added to protect black people’s ability to vote in the United States. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 followed the amendment, requiring equal treatment in public places and on public conveyances regardless of race (White et al., 2021). All of these advances increased African-Americans’ freedom, allowing them to vote and be elected to all levels of government. Even though they were still not economically equal to white Americans, African-Americans experienced economic freedom since they could participate in paying jobs.
During the Great Depression, however, black Americans bore the brunt of economic inequity and unemployment. Cotton prices remained low and later collapsed due to overproduction and the loss of the international market. Thousands of black tenants lost their jobs due to technological breakthroughs and gradual mechanization in southern farmland. The Great Mississippi flood of 1927 followed soon after, displacing many African-Americans who fled to places where there was no employment. After the Great Depression, black unemployment skyrocketed from 30% to 50% in just two years. Because they were the last hired, black unemployment outpaces the national rate. These events had a significant impact on African-American achievements during the black rebuilding.
Concussively, readings on Black Reconstruction and the Great Depression helped me better appreciate the concept of freedom and economic crises, which were important in understanding the history of Africa-America. African-Americans gained the freedom to vote, work, and be elected to government offices during Black Reconstruction. The events that followed, such as the passage of the Fifth Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1875, paved the way for African-Americans to gain more freedom. However, the Great Depression hampered some of these advancements, as most black Americans were laid off throughout the period, and racial discrimination against African-Americans increased.
References
White, D., Bay, M., & Martin Jr., W. (2021) Freedom on Mind: A history of African Americans with documents (3rd ed.). Macmillan Higher Education.