Post War Life
What were Levittowns, and why were they important after World War II?
Levittowns were large neighborhoods of similar-looking houses built quickly for returning soldiers and their families. They made homes more affordable.
What did the Supreme Court decide in Plessy v. Ferguson?
The court said segregation was okay as long as things were “separate but equal.”
Who was Martin Luther King Jr., and what did he do?
He was a civil rights leader who fought for equality using peaceful protests.
Who was Chuck Berry, and why is he important in music history?
He was a Black rock and roll musician who influenced many artists and helped shape the music industry.
What does NAACP stand for, and what is its purpose?
It stands for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It works to fight racism and gain equal rights.
What is the GI Bill, and how did it help soldiers after the war?
The GI Bill helped veterans pay for college, buy homes, and start businesses.
What did Brown v. Board of Education change in schools?
It ended segregation in public schools by saying separate schools were unfair.
What was Thurgood Marshall's role in the civil rights movement?
He was a lawyer for the NAACP and the first Black Supreme Court Justice. He won the Brown v. Board case.
What kind of art did Charles White create?
He made powerful drawings and paintings about African American life and struggles.
What is a sit-in, and how was it used during the civil rights movement?
A sit-in is when people peacefully sit in a place that’s segregated to protest unfair treatment.
What does "White Flight" mean, and how did it change cities?
White families moved out of cities into suburbs, often to avoid integration.
What does "Separate but Equal" mean, and why was it unfair?
It meant Black and white people had different schools, bathrooms, etc., but they were not really equal—Black services were worse.
How were Malcolm X's ideas different from Martin Luther King Jr.'s?
Malcolm X believed in fighting back if needed, while MLK believed in nonviolence.
What stories did Jacob Lawrence tell through his paintings?
He painted stories of African American history, like the Great Migration.
What was the goal of the Freedom Riders?
To challenge segregated bus stations in the South and test new laws.
What is redlining, and how did it affect neighborhoods?
Redlining was when banks refused loans to people in mostly Black neighborhoods. It led to poor housing and fewer opportunities.
Who was Linda Brown, and why is she important in history?
She was a young girl whose case helped end school segregation in Brown v. Board.
What is the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)?
It was a group led by MLK that organized peaceful protests for civil rights.
How did teenagers influence American culture after the war?
Teens became a big part of the economy—they had their own style, music, and identity.
What is the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and what did it do?
It organized marches, protests, and speeches to fight segregation peacefully.
What do the FHA and HOLC do, and how did they impact housing?
FHA and HOLC gave loans for houses but often discriminated against Black families.
What is de jure segregation, and can you give an example?
It means segregation by law—like laws that kept Black and white kids in different schools.
What were the Freedom Riders, and what did they do?
They rode buses in the South to protest segregation in bus stations and were often attacked.
What changes happened in American demographics after World War II?
The population grew quickly (baby boom), and more people moved to suburbs.
How did different groups work together to fight for civil rights?
Groups like NAACP, SCLC, and others worked together to protest, sue in court, and organize people for change.