How far could the historian make use of sources 1 and 2 together
to investigate the role and status of black Americans in post war
USA?
,Level 5 answer (17-20 marks)
When studying the position of African Americans in post-war USA, Sources
1 and 2 together provide valuable insights that show while there were
some small improvements, their overall status in society stayed largely
, the same. Looking at both sources together shows three important points.
First, society's attitudes were gradually changing over time. Second, both
authors, reflecting the views of their time, recognised that African
American lives needed to improve. Third, despite the passing years,
discriminatory attitudes towards African Americans continued, whether
they were intentional or not. Both sources show how these three factors
had a significant impact on African Americans' place in society, leading to
both positive and negative effects on their status and opportunities.
A historian can effectively analyse the changing attitudes towards African
Americans by comparing these sources from pre-war and post-war
periods. The timing of these sources is particularly significant: Source 1
was published in 1947 (post-war) while Source 2 was published in 1940
(before U.S. involvement in World War II). This chronological difference
reveals important shifts in societal attitudes. The contrast between the
sources is notable. Source 2 displays more overtly negative attitudes
toward African Americans, while Source 1 demonstrates a more
progressive stance, explicitly stating that treating African Americans "like
sheep are done with." This shift suggests an improvement in African
Americans' social position during the post-war period. This change can be
understood within the context of World War II's impact. After African
Americans and other minorities contributed significantly to the war effort,
there was increased criticism of racial inequality in a nation that
championed freedom and equal opportunity. This historical context helps
explain the more accepting tone found in Source 1. Both sources also
provide insight into the evolution of African Americans' societal role versus
their status. Source 2 portrays their position as relatively low, describing
them as "unskilled," suggesting limited opportunities for advancement. In
contrast, Source 1 presents a more optimistic view, offering solutions for
changing both their role and status, which aligns with improved post-war
employment opportunities. While some might question the reliability of
these sources due to their authors' backgrounds - Source 1 being written
by a liberal journalist and Source 2 by someone from the traditionally
conservative South - this limitation doesn't significantly undermine their
historical value. The contrasting perspectives help historians understand
the range of attitudes present in pre-war and post-war America,
supporting the observation that African Americans' role in society was
indeed changing during this period.
Both sources demonstrate significant value to historians by highlighting a
shared recognition of necessary improvements in African American life,
indicating broader societal awareness of racial inequalities. Source 1
explicitly emphasises this need, stating "But improvements, no matter
how fitful, must continue if American democracy itself is to survive,"
