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| African Americans and the Democratic Party |
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Author: Sue Pennington, Wilde Lake High School, Howard County Public School System
Grade Level: Middle/High
Duration: 2 periods |
Overview:
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Having aligned themselves with the Republican Party since the days of Abraham Lincoln, many African Americans became Democrats during the Great Depression. This lesson explores why African Americans chose to vote for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, despite the fact that the Democratic Party had traditionally denied them their basic civil rights. Through analysis of a variety of sources, students will discover how the Depression affected African-American workers, and why many black voters changed their politcal affiliation during this period. Students will also learn how Democrats and Republicans of the time responded to the call for civil rights. Roosevelt's dilemma was that in order to retain his position of leadership in the party, he needed the support of the white Southern Democrats, who time and again had denied the vote to African Americans in their states. Although Roosevelt did not reverse the de jure segregation of the time, he did invite several African-American leaders to serve as advisors in his administration. He also ensured that African Americans had access to relief during the worst days of the Depression. Because of his willingness to engage African Americans, Roosevelt helped to win their votes for the Democratic Party for decades to come. |
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