America, An Emerging World Power: 1896-1916 -plessy V. Ferguson (1896)

The video discusses the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine. Despite the Civil Rights Acts and the 14th Amendment, discrimination persisted. Homer Plessy's arrest was a test case challenging segregation laws. The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in favor of segregation, with Justice Harlan dissenting, stating the Constitution is colorblind. This ruling validated Jim Crow laws, enforcing racial segregation in the South. The video highlights the impact of this decision on race relations and the eventual overturning of the doctrine in Brown v. Board of Education.

What was the main outcome of the Plessy vs. Ferguson case?

• It led to the immediate desegregation of public transportation.

• It upheld the legality of segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

• It abolished segregation in public schools.

• It granted African Americans the right to vote.

Why did Homer Plessy get arrested?

• He was involved in a protest march.

• He refused to give up his seat on a bus.

• He was caught voting illegally.

• He deliberately violated segregation laws to challenge their constitutionality.

Which amendment was cited as an argument against segregation in the Plessy case?

• The 15th Amendment

• The 13th Amendment

• The 14th Amendment

• The 19th Amendment

Who was the lone dissenter in the Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court decision?

• Justice Earl Warren

• Justice John Marshall Harlan

• Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

• Justice Thurgood Marshall

What was the practical effect of segregation laws on African Americans' daily lives?

• They had to use separate facilities that were often inferior.

• They were allowed to use all public facilities equally.

• They were given priority in public transportation.

• They were exempt from paying taxes.

What did the 'separate but equal' doctrine imply?

• Blacks and whites could not use the same facilities.

• Facilities could be separate as long as they were equal in quality.

• Segregation was illegal.

• Facilities for blacks and whites were identical.

How did the Jim Crow laws affect race relations in the South?

• They promoted integration and equality.

• They maintained a system of racial segregation and inequality.

• They abolished all forms of racial discrimination.

• They were only applied in Northern states.