Plessy v Ferguson and Segregation Crash Course Black American History

The video explores the Plessy v. Ferguson case, a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1896 that legalized racial segregation under the guise of 'separate but equal.' It highlights the role of Homer Plessy and the Committee of Citizens in challenging the Separate Car Act in Louisiana. The video discusses the racial dynamics in 19th century Louisiana and the broader implications of the court's decision, which entrenched segregation and white supremacy for decades. It concludes by emphasizing the need for future legal and societal changes to promote justice and equality.

What was the dual role of law in Black American history as discussed in the introduction?

• To encourage cultural diversity

• To maintain economic stability

• To fight against and perpetuate oppression

• To promote equality and justice

What was the main legal outcome of the Plessy v. Ferguson case?

• It ended the Civil War

• It legalized racial segregation under the guise of equality

• It abolished racial segregation

• It granted voting rights to Black Americans

What was the 'one-drop rule' as it related to racial classification?

• A rule that required racial segregation in schools

• A rule that considered anyone with any African ancestry as Black

• A rule that promoted racial equality

• A rule that allowed mixed-race individuals to choose their race

What was the role of the Committee of Citizens in the Plessy v. Ferguson case?

• They were a government agency

• They were a group of railroad owners

• They organized a protest to challenge the law

• They supported the Separate Car Act

What was the Separate Car Act of 1890?

• A law that integrated public transportation

• A law that provided equal education

• A law that segregated railroad cars by race

• A law that abolished slavery

What was the main argument of Plessy's lawyers in the Supreme Court?

• The Separate Car Act was irrelevant to the Constitution

• The Separate Car Act violated the 13th and 14th Amendments

• The Separate Car Act was a minor issue

• The Separate Car Act was beneficial for society

What was Justice John Marshall Harlan's stance on the Plessy v. Ferguson decision?

• He believed the decision was irrelevant

• He was undecided on the issue

• He agreed with the majority decision

• He dissented, arguing the Constitution is colorblind

What era is considered to have started with the Plessy v. Ferguson decision?

• The Reconstruction era

• The Civil Rights era

• The Industrial era

• The Jim Crow era

How did the Plessy v. Ferguson decision affect the quality of facilities for Black Americans?

• They were superior to those for white Americans

• They were equal to those for white Americans

• They were often of lower quality

• They were not affected by the decision

What does the Plessy v. Ferguson case remind us about the judicial system?

• It always promotes equality

• It has the power to shape racial dynamics

• It has no influence on society

• It is irrelevant to American life