Final answer:
In the 1870s, civil rights were initially defined by laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1875 to ensure equality for African Americans, but a Supreme Court decision in 1883 overturned these protections, leading to the rise of segregation under Jim Crow laws. Some states in the North and West continued to fight segregation, with individuals like T. Thomas Fortune leading local efforts against discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Civil Rights in the 1870s
In the 1870s, civil rights were defined by a series of laws and amendments intended to guarantee equal treatment for African Americans following the abolition of slavery. The Civil Rights Act of 1875, a vital piece of legislation during the Reconstruction era, sought to assure African Americans equal access to public accommodations and transportation, and the right to serve on juries. However, the Supreme Court decision in 1883 declared the Act unconstitutional, specifically noting that it did not apply to private individuals or corporations. This led to a rollback of the gains made during Reconstruction and a shift towards a more segregated society, epitomized by the Jim Crow laws.
Despite setbacks at the federal level, states in the North and West continued to fight against segregation, with many passing their own civil rights laws. Figures like T. Thomas Fortune spearheaded the movement, challenging discriminatory practices at the local level. They achieved mixed results, with notable successes in states with existing civil rights statutes.
By the end of the 1870s, African Americans were facing an uphill battle for civil rights. The rise of white supremacy and the establishment of Jim Crow laws destroyed the progress of the Reconstruction era. Despite this oppressive environment, African Americans made educational and entrepreneurial advances while still confronting the harsh reality of racial violence and discrimination.