Final answer:
The federal government's pursuit of racial equality was reduced due to shifting public priorities towards economic recovery, disillusionment with affirmative action, and the enormity of enforcing long-term equity measures against a backdrop of increasing white supremacy and economic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for Federal Government's Reduced Pursuit of Racial Equality
The federal government's initiative towards racial equality diminished primarily due to complex socio-political dynamics and shifting priorities. Initially, during the 1960s, civil rights activists spurred significant governmental action for racial justice, aided partly by concerns over international perception during the Cold War. However, the struggle for equality faced hindrances after the federals' commitment wavered following the Panic of 1873 and subsequent Democrat victories signaling a public shift towards economic recovery.
One reason for the gradual shift in focus included the acknowledgement that affirmative action programs might result in reverse discrimination, thereby alienating portions of the electorate. Political and public opinion during the late 1970s and early 1980s further weakened commitments to these programs. The pushback against these initiatives highlighted the complexity of implementing long-term racial equity measures.
Moreover, the Civil Rights Movement itself brought about significant change, but economic challenges like the Vietnam War and gradual disillusionment with federal ability to deliver on anti-poverty promises led to reduced focus on racial justice. The Jim Crow laws and resurgence of white supremacy following the end of Reconstruction posed formidable barriers to progress, requiring sustained and widespread federal enforcement efforts which ultimately did not persist.
The combination of economic downturns, changing public sentiments, political shifts, and high expectations unmet by government actions led to a decrease in the federal government's pursuit of racial equality.