Multiple Choice: In the late nineteenth century, many areas of the South enacted Jim Crow laws. What was one purpose of these laws? (1 point)
Responses
to create the Ku Klux Klan
to ban Republicans from office
to racially integrate pubic schools
to racially segregate public facilities
to racially segregate public facilities
The purpose of Jim Crow laws was to racially segregate public facilities.
To determine the purpose of the Jim Crow laws, we can analyze the available choices:
1. "To create the Ku Klux Klan": The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was actually founded in 1865, prior to the enactment of the Jim Crow laws. While the KKK promoted white supremacy and participated in acts of violence against African Americans, its creation was not directly tied to the purpose of the Jim Crow laws.
2. "To ban Republicans from office": The Jim Crow laws were primarily aimed at suppressing the rights and opportunities of African Americans, rather than specifically targeting Republican Party members. While it is true that some of these laws were used as tools to disenfranchise Republican-leaning African American voters, this choice does not accurately portray the overall purpose of the laws.
3. "To racially integrate public schools": The intent of the Jim Crow laws was actually the complete opposite. These laws aimed to enforce racial segregation, promoting separate facilities and services for African Americans and white Americans. Therefore, this choice does not align with the purpose of the laws.
4. "To racially segregate public facilities": This choice correctly identifies one of the main purposes of the Jim Crow laws. These laws were designed to establish and enforce racial segregation in public facilities, including schools, transportation, accommodations, and even water fountains and restrooms.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer would be: to racially segregate public facilities.