Final answer:
During World War I, African Americans served bravely in segregated military units and the Great Migration caused racial tension by shifting job competition. The Red Summer of 1919 saw African Americans defending themselves against racial violence, leading to the formation of self-defense groups and contributing to the civil rights movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
During World War I, African-American soldiers served with valor despite segregation within the military, typically in separate units under the command of white officers. They were often relegated to menial labor and support roles due to the prevailing racial prejudices of the time. However, their willingness to participate in the war effort was a clear indicator of their aspirations toward freedom and equality.
The Great Migration significantly contributed to racial tensions. Thousands of black southerners migrated to the North and Midwest to fill labor shortages caused by the war, seeking respite from southern poverty and Jim Crow laws. This migration led to heightened racial conflict as white northerners and returning veterans confronted African Americans competing for jobs and residing in what were perceived as "their" neighborhoods.
The consequential racial strife reached its peak during the "Red Summer" of 1919. A series of bloody race riots unfolded in more than twenty-five cities, including a particularly violent weeklong riot in Chicago. African Americans, recently empowered and defending their rights, stood up against the hostile actions of white rioters with militant force. This marked a new phase in racial conflict, where African Americans actively defended themselves, leading to a changed perception and a rise in tension that contributed to the drive for greater civil rights post-war.
In response to these events, there was a shift in the social dynamic of the country. Organized groups like the African Blood Brotherhood emerged to advocate for armed resistance and were initially linked to the Communist Party. Though they eventually found different affiliations, these movements signaled an increasing will among African Americans to advocate for their rights and protections.