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Sunday, October 17, 2021

African Americans During WW1 by: Saanvi Kunisetty

 African Americans During WW1


Saanvi Kunisetty


African Americans were eager to demonstrate their patriotism toward America and show that they could contribute when it entered the Great War. Only four months after America entered the war, over 700,000 African Americans had enlisted. They were unfortunately discriminated against, prevented from serving certain roles in the Navy and Air Force. The government created segregated training camps and military units, causing blacks to protest.

Still, the Great War brought benefits to African Americans. They earned name “Harlem Hell Fighters” by the Germans because they were said to have never lost a man, or any ground, to the enemy. African doctors further developed global connections and positive impressions of America. When blacks returned home after fighting for democracy in Europe, they were urged to demand the same back home. In fact, the NAACP (National Association for Advancement of Colored People) defeated the Grandfather Clause and segregative housing. Finally, African American culture was spread across the world, as their regiments generally included bands as well. They introduced European countries to jazz, blues, and ragtime rhythm, as well as unique performance styles.


Sources:

“African-American Participation during World War I - Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware.” Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware, 13 Apr. 2021, history.delaware.gov/world-war-i/african-americans-ww1/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.

“African American Odyssey: World War I and Postwar Society (Part 1).” Loc.gov, 2021, memory.loc.gov/ammem/aaohtml/exhibit/aopart7.html. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.

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