Segregation versus Integration: The Racial Policy of the Marine Corps from 1942-1962

Abstract

With the arrival of the first African American recruits in August of 1942, the Marine Corps embarked on a 20-year journey towards racial integration. Facing heavy opposition from senior leaders inside the Corps, it was quickly understood that most were opposed to allowing African Americans into the ranks. Mandated by law, the Marine Corps decided that segregation (under the auspice of separate but equal) was the best policy. Riddled with inconsistencies and improper application of the rules, this policy remained in effect for almost two decades. Facing pressure from outside agencies and those within the ranks, the Marine Corps struggled with equality and the rights of those who faithfully served. This study does not seek to justify the rationale behind the Marine Corps decision to implement segregation, but rather understand the reasons behind its decision.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 21, 2013
Accession Number
ADA601677

Entities

People

  • Christopher A. Browning

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • African Americans
  • Civil Rights
  • Discrimination
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Law
  • Marine Corps
  • Naval Personnel
  • Navy
  • Personnel Management
  • Prejudice
  • Recruiting
  • Recruits
  • Second World War
  • Training
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design