African Americans Discrimination in The Army Air Forces During World War Ii

"Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results," said General George S. Patton, referring to his troops, many of whom were African Americans facing high levels of discrimination within the army. African Americans were not allowed to be pilots and were treated differently. They also did not receive the same recognition after the wars. The Tuskegee Airmen fought against racism and prejudice not only in the Nazi army but also within their own armed forces to allow African Americans to pilot planes in wars.

Discrimination Against African Americans in the Army Air Forces During World War II

During World War II, African Americans were discriminated against and treated unfairly in the army. A major form of discrimination was that blacks were not allowed to be pilots or fly planes in the war. In 1917, African American men volunteered to become aerial observers, but they were rejected due to the racial prejudice of the time. Despite extra restrictive requirements, the Air Corps was soon flooded with applications from qualified black men. This discrimination weakened the army by excluding capable individuals based on race. Not only were they barred from flying, but they also did not receive the recognition afforded to others. African Americans did not get the same recognition as the other soldiers.

Following the 1940 Selective Service Act, the enlisted strength of the Army was usually 10 percent black. By September 1944, the 701,678 black troops in the Army comprised 8.7 percent of the total (African Americans, World War II). Military policy did not allow blacks into combat units until 1944, which accounts for the fact that little more than 50,000 black troops fought the enemy in combat. By the end of World War II, 294 Medals of Honor had been awarded to white American soldiers, but not one was given to an African American, which was very unfair. The black soldiers in World War II were just as useful and helpful as the white soldiers.

The successes of black activists ultimately encouraged a stronger push for racial equality in America. President Roosevelt’s actions served as the beginning of Truman’s order to integrate the military and its espousal of civil rights. The treatment and triumphs of black workers, voters, and soldiers radicalized a community eager to end the last vestiges of racism. In this manner, World War II and the black responses to it paved the way for racial integration, the civil rights movement, and a wider debate on the nature of American citizenship. After fighting in a war and coming back to face yet another war, African Americans were not fighting anymore.

The Tuskegee Airmen's Fight for Equality

The Tuskegee Airmen fought against racism and prejudice not only in the Nazi army but also within their own armed forces to allow African Americans to pilot planes in wars. It was unfair for African Americans for many reasons in the military. During WWII, African Americans faced discrimination and were treated unfairly in the army. Not only were they barred from flying, but they also did not receive the recognition afforded to others. African Americans did not get the same recognition as the other soldiers. Ultimately, the successes of black activists encouraged a stronger push for racial equality in America.

Conclusion

The fight for equality and recognition by African Americans during World War II had far-reaching consequences. It laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements and highlighted the crucial role African Americans played in shaping American military and social history. The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and other black soldiers continues to inspire the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

References

African Americans, World War II. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia of African American History, 1896 to the Present. Retrieved from [Encyclopedia URL]

Patton, G. S. (n.d.). Quotes. In BrainyQuote. Retrieved from [BrainyQuote URL]