Final answer:
During the 19th century, racial segregation resulted in institutionalized racial inequality, enforced by Jim Crow laws and the separate but equal doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson. Segregation led to disenfranchisement and inferior public facilities for African Americans, though they also built strong, autonomous communities. The Great Migration was a significant outcome of segregation, marking a mass movement of African Americans to Northern cities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consequences of Racial Segregation
One of the many results of racial segregation during the 19th century was the legal codification and systemic enforcement of racial inequality, particularly through Jim Crow laws. The implementation of these laws led to widespread disenfranchisement and segregation in facilities such as schools and transportation, undermining African Americans' civil rights. Moreover, this period saw the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision that established the doctrine of 'separate but equal', further entrenching the racial divide. Despite the oppressive conditions, African Americans made significant progress in fields such as education and business by building their own institutions, leading to the development of vibrant black communities and business districts.
Additionally, the social and economic pressures from segregation and discrimination catalyzed the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans relocated from the rural South to Northern cities in search of better job opportunities and to escape Jim Crow violence. This movement contributed to the dynamic cultural and economic landscape of Northern urban centers, despite the persistence of racial prejudices and de facto discrimination. Yet within these communities, African Americans established an infrastructure of businesses, newspapers, and professional services that served their needs and facilitated a measure of autonomy and dignity.
Lastly, Jim Crow segregation also reinforced social inequities by denying African Americans access to public amenities and resources, leading to widespread violations of their social rights. Such legal discrimination persisted until the civil rights advancements of the mid-20th century.