Question

The Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson that upheld racial segregation helped to mark the end of most of the political gains African Americans made during Reconstruction.

a) Facing increased violence,
b) discrimination,
c) scientific theories of race,
d) African American reformers continued to fight for political and social equality.

Answer 1

The Plessy v. Ferguson case upheld racial segregation under "separate but equal" doctrine, which was later overturned by Brown v. Board of Education, ending legalized segregation in public schools.

Step-by-step explanation:

The landmark Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson supported the policy of racial segregation, maintaining the doctrine of "separate but equal". This doctrine allowed states to maintain segregated facilities for Black and White individuals, which were rarely, if ever, actually equal. The ruling provided constitutional backing for racial discrimination, perpetuating White superiority and Black inferiority. It wasn't until the decision was overturned by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, that the legal foundation for segregation began to crumble. This pivotal case declared that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," thus ending de jure segregation in public schools. Despite legalized discrimination and hostile opposition, African American reformers and civil rights organizations like the NAACP continued fighting for equality, leading to further successes in the civil rights movement.