what desegrated the US armed forces
The desegregation of the US armed forces was primarily achieved through the efforts of President Harry S. Truman. On July 26, 1948, Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which called for equal treatment and opportunity for all members of the armed forces, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This marked a significant step towards the desegregation of the military. Additionally, the Korean War (1950-1953) demonstrated the need for integrated military units, as African American soldiers fought alongside their white counterparts on the frontlines, which further pushed for desegregation. Implementation of the order faced resistance and challenges, but it paved the way for the eventual full integration of the US armed forces.
The desegregation of the US armed forces was primarily accomplished through a combination of legal decisions and executive orders. Here are the key steps taken to desegregate the military:
1. Executive Order 8802 (1941): It was issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to prohibit racial discrimination in defense industries that were producing supplies for World War II. This order required federal agencies and contractors to ensure equal opportunity employment.
2. Truman's Presidential Committee on Civil Rights (1946): President Harry S. Truman established this committee to examine racial issues in the United States, including discrimination in the military. The committee's reports laid the foundation for future desegregation efforts.
3. Executive Order 9981 (1948): President Truman issued this order, which directed the desegregation of the armed forces. It stated that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." This landmark executive order played a pivotal role in ending racial segregation in the military.
4. Implementation of Desegregation Plans: After Executive Order 9981, the military services developed specific plans to integrate units and ensure equal treatment for all personnel, regardless of their race. These plans involved reshuffling assignments, promoting African Americans to higher ranks, and providing equal access to training and facilities.
5. Legal Challenges: Despite progress, desegregation efforts faced resistance and legal challenges. One notable case is the integration of schools for military dependents. In the 1950s and 1960s, several court cases were filed to challenge racial segregation in these schools, leading to the eventual integration of military dependent schools.
Overall, the desegregation of the US armed forces was a gradual process involving executive orders, legal challenges, and the implementation of specific plans to ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.