From Segregation to Desegregation: Blacks in the U.S. Army 1703-1954
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to 1) present a brief historical overview of the use of Blacks in the U.S. Army between the period 1703 to 1948, and 2) to discuss desegregation of the U.S. Army, 1948 through 1954. Throughout our nation's history, Blacks have participated in every American war with patriotism, courage, and honor. White Americans were initially ambivalent about Blacks participating in military organizations and in most instances allowed Blacks to fight only when forced by circumstances to do so. The first part of this paper highlights the use of Black soldiers in the Army between the period 1703 to 1948, and the attitudes of White Americans towards them. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S Truman signed Executive order 9981 which abolished racial segregation in the armed services. This historic document established a policy that guaranteed equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed forces without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. The Korean War, in 1950, provided the circumstances that accelerated integration in the U.S. Army. Integration proceeded rapidly: first at training bases in the United States; then in combat units in Korea; and finally at U.S. military installations around the world. Racial integration in the Army was accomplished with surprising speed and thoroughness. The process took only five years. The second part of this paper examines the measures taken to promote or inhibit desegregation of the United States Army between 1948-1954. The armed forces led the American nation to the realization that in fact 'all men are created equal' and skin color has no bearing on individual capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 09, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219730
Entities
People
- Raymond B. Ansel
Organizations
- United States Army War College