Minorities in America 1917-1929 Discrimination Ran Rampant

Minorities in America 1917-1929

Discrimination ran rampant throughout the era of World War I and the 1920s, having an enormous impact on the lives of minorities living in America and fighting abroad. Black servicemen in the military, though respected by some for their participation in the war effort, often served only in segregated units. They held no positions of command, rather served as mealtime aids, laborers and cargo holders (Azimuth, 2003). Also of significance during this time, a great migration of African-Americans occurred from southern farms to northern cities within the states, sometimes referred to as the "Great Migration" (Azimuth, 2003). Many were looking for bigger and better opportunities. Women, also considered minorities during the 1920s, revolted against their status in "servitude." The era of World War I can only be described as one of radical changes in the racial make up and cultural significance of America.

During the period from 1917 through the late 1920's, African-Americans were still referred to as colored people in America. Even though they infused the America's with cultural significance and richness, such as the proliferation of jazz during the 1920's, the black man was often persecuted. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune in July of 1919, Race Riots broke out in Chicago. The statistics revealed that two men were killed and fifty were hurt in the scuffle (Azimuth, 2003). According to the report, "Two colored men are reported to have been killed and approximately fifty whites and Negroes injured, a number probably fatally, in race riots that broke out at south side beaches yesterday" (Azimuth, 2003). In another report by the tribune, twenty people were slain in scuffles resulting from race relations. The era was marked by turmoil and segregation.

The Klu Klux Klan also enjoyed much popularity during this era. The group flourished surprisingly as a national movement during the postwar years, its membership rising to over two million people (Bartelby.com, 2003). Of cinematic significance, the film "Birth of a Nation" was "heralded as a modern cinematic triumph," but ultimately enraged members of black and minority communities in its depiction of African-Americans as inferior to white men and a threat to the safety and well being of the nation (Bartelby.com, 2003). At the same time that African-Americans were segregated and discriminated against however, they also found a voice and spoke out against the discriminatory policies in the U.S.

Marcus M. Garvey led the Universal Negro Association in 1916; it's chapters spreading rapidly among the African-American community (Bartelby.com, 2003). The association encouraged racial pride and equality.

Women also began to speak about regarding their rights and equality in the post-war era. The Women's peace Party was formed right around 1917, following the women's international conference at "the Hague" (Bartelby.com, 2003). Alice Paul, an outspoken women's rights advocate formed a militant women's group just before 1917 called the "National Woman's Party" (Bartelby.com, 2003). Women demanded much equality, including the right to vote, which they were granted in 1920 when the nineteenth amendment was passed (Bartelby.com, 2003). Margaret Sanger was another outspoken woman's rights advocate. She spoke the following: "the most far-reaching social development of modern times is the revolt of woman against sex servitude. The most important force in the remaking of the world is a free motherhood (Azimuth, 2003)."

Though all Americans may not have initially shared the fruits of war, it was not at all due to lack of effort on the part of minorities. Minorities of all kinds found their voice in America during the post war period. The influx of culturally enriching pastimes such as jazz music, a contribution of minorities during the time could not be ignored. Women who had stepped up to the plate in the absence of their spouses demanded suffrage rights and economic rights.