Integration and Global Shifts from 1945-1965
Over the 20 years from 1945 to 1965, unprecedented shifts in integration were seen all over the world. The integration that affected economic, social, and political aspects not only in the United States but also globally was influenced by a number of events that occurred after World War Two (WWII). Following World War II, many nations were torn apart as the two superpowers—the United States and the Soviet Union—flexed their worldwide influence, with many countries adopting the ideologies of one or the other.
Events Aiding Race Equality and Integration
The important events that have significantly aided in race equality and integration are the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Rosa Parks' acts of civil disobedience. The post-war reconstruction determinations made it necessary to embrace economic development whereby the need for expanded labor force was vital. In particular, a concerted effort by the government to encourage women to join employment was experienced in the United States in the 1940s hence leading to mass migration from different low developed states to industrial cities. In the process, people of different races migrated to cities. In 1952, Immigration and Nationality Act was established in the U.S. that required the disbandment of the quarter system while encouraging American immigrants to invite their relatives from their home countries (Bennett 127). In the case, Francis E. Walter and Pat McCarran were the leading champions for the establishment of the law that fostered integration in the U.S. while several white Americans like the 1952 governor of Alabama, Gordon Persons hindering integration efforts.
Rosa Parks' Acts of Civil Disobedience
In 1955, an African American woman known as Rosa Parks refused to give her seat to a white man in contravention of the standard requirement of Africans to give priority to the whites while traveling. The rules required African Americans to sit at the end of the bus and surrender their seats to the whites (Letort 31). Following her refusal to obey the orders and subsequent arrest, America witnessed widespread bus boycotts. Consequently, African Americans refused to ride city buses in several regions, including Alabama and Montgomery. The event led to the end of legalized segregation in America thus ending racial inequality. Martin Luther King, Jr. also participated in calling for the end towards racial discrimination.
Opposition to Integration Efforts
However, some Americans have opposed immigration and efforts leading to integration. One such individual is the renowned economist Michael Andrew Clemens, who argued that free movement of people was likely to lead to the emergence of weak culture while also destroying economic and political institutions.
Culmination of Integration Efforts
The enactment of Immigration and Nationality Act as well as the resistance towards racial discrimination by Rosa Parks against the white Americans have culminated into the beginning of integration not only in America but internationally. Consequently, the period between 1945 and 1965 experienced increased racial equality efforts while also bringing people from different racial, social, religious and economic backgrounds together.
Works Cited
Bennett, Marion T. "The Immigration and Nationality (McCarran-Walter) Act of 1952, as Amended to 1965." The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, vol. 367, no. 1, 1966, pp. 127-136.
Letort, Delphine. "The Rosa Parks Story: The Making of a Civil Rights Icon." Black Camera, vol. 3, no. 2, 2012, p. 31.
