24 February 2009

Culture Spot: African Americans in the North during World War I and the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 (Video)

In this video you will learn how at the beginning of the 20th century, many African Americans, looking for a better life and an escape from racial segregation in the South, went North to work in Northern industries. World War I further encouraged this immigration as the North needed laborers. Support for the war was divided in the Black community since some refused to support what they saw was a racist government. Unfortunately, African Americans learned that racism wasn't confined to the South. Racial tensions grew in the North as many African American were willing to replace workers on strike. Violence against Blacks by Whites increased until finally in 1919, a race riot broke out in Chicago.

I have added English subtitles to this video.

To learn more:

Jazz Age Chicago -- Chicago Race Riot of 1919
Chicago Race Riot of 1919 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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