The Democratic Party Commits to Civil Rights
Vice President Harry Truman became president when President Roosevelt died in April 1945. After World War II ended in September 1945, Truman was pressured by civil rights advocates to take action to stop the brutal acts of violence being committed against Black citizens, including returning military veterans, in the United States. Truman established the President’s Committee on Civil Rights by Executive Order 9808.
In July 1948, Truman, again by Executive Order, desegregated the military and all federal jobs. Truman’s focus on civil rights solidified Black Americans’ support for the Democratic Party that began during President Roosevelt's administration while at the same time alienating many southern White conservatives and segregationists.
Watch the video and pay attention to the ways in which Truman furthered Black civil rights and the political revolt that occurred within the Democratic Party as a result.
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Take Notes
Use the information on this page and in the video to answer the following questions.
