Explain the impact the Great Depression had on African Americans. (2 points)

Responses

Agricultural prices led to lower wages and massive layoffs.
Agricultural prices led to lower wages and massive layoffs.

White workers encouraged African Americans to move out west.
White workers encouraged African Americans to move out west.

The Scottsboro Trial highlighted the inherent equality of the justice system.
The Scottsboro Trial highlighted the inherent equality of the justice system.

A growing number of racial violence cases resulted in new civil rights legislation.

5 answers

The options provided suggest several impacts of the Great Depression on African Americans. Let’s analyze the relevant statements:

  1. Agricultural prices led to lower wages and massive layoffs.
    This is true. The Great Depression severely affected agriculture, leading to decreased prices for crops. Many African Americans, especially those in the South who relied on agricultural work, faced significant hardships due to reduced wages and widespread layoffs. This effectively increased poverty and unemployment in African American communities.

  2. White workers encouraged African Americans to move out west.
    This statement is misleading. While some African Americans did migrate west in search of better economic opportunities, the motivation and encouragement often came from the communities themselves rather than white workers. Additionally, the migration was largely driven by economic necessity rather than a systematic encouragement from white counterparts.

  3. The Scottsboro Trial highlighted the inherent equality of the justice system.
    This is false. The Scottsboro Trial (1931) exemplified the racial injustices prevalent in the legal system rather than equality. Nine African American teenagers were wrongfully accused of raping two white women, and their trials were marked by racial bias and denial of a fair legal defense. This case highlighted the deep-seated racism and inequality that existed.

  4. A growing number of racial violence cases resulted in new civil rights legislation.
    This statement is complex. While there were indeed instances of racial violence during the Great Depression, the period did not immediately lead to significant civil rights legislation. However, the era did highlight the need for civil rights advocacy and laid the groundwork for future movements.

Overall, the most significant impacts on African Americans during the Great Depression included economic hardship from agricultural price drops and layoffs, alongside heightened racial injustices, as evidenced in cases like the Scottsboro Trial.

what is the answer?

The two statements that accurately reflect the impact of the Great Depression on African Americans are:

  1. Agricultural prices led to lower wages and massive layoffs.
    This statement reflects the economic hardships faced by many African Americans during the Great Depression, particularly in agriculture.

  2. A growing number of racial violence cases resulted in new civil rights legislation.
    While this statement is more complex, it captures the increasing awareness of racial violence and injustices during the era, which eventually contributed to civil rights advocacy.

The other options either misrepresent historical events or are not accurate regarding the experiences of African Americans during the Great Depression.

which one is it?

The correct answer to highlight the impact of the Great Depression on African Americans is:

  1. Agricultural prices led to lower wages and massive layoffs.

This accurately reflects the economic challenges faced by African Americans during that time.

If you need to choose a second point, the following could be considered, but it is less straightforward:

  1. A growing number of racial violence cases resulted in new civil rights legislation.

However, recognizing that while there was increased awareness of racial violence, significant civil rights legislation did not emerge directly as an immediate response to the violence during the Great Depression, it may not be the best fit. So if only one point is required, the first one is the clearest choice.