Racial Segregation

Definition

Racial segregation refers to the enforced separation of different racial groups in various aspects of public life, such as housing, education, and transportation. It was a systemic practice that aimed to maintain social and economic dominance of white Americans over people of color.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: These were state and local laws in the United States that enforced racial segregation after Reconstruction ended in 1877.

Segregationist Policies: These were government policies implemented to enforce racial segregation across various domains like schools, public transportation, and housing.

Separate but Equal Doctrine: This legal doctrine allowed racially segregated facilities as long as they provided equal services or resources. However, these facilities were often vastly unequal in practice.