This question has two parts.
Explain how the Supreme Court cases Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education are related. Explain the effect(s) these cases had on US citizens.
(4 points)
The Supreme Court cases Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education are related in that they both deal with issues of segregation and discrimination based on race.
In Plessy v Ferguson (1896), the Supreme Court upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine, which allowed for racial segregation as long as facilities for blacks and whites were equal. This decision perpetuated racial inequality and segregation in the United States for decades.
On the other hand, in Brown v Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine and ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This landmark decision paved the way for the desegregation of schools and other public facilities, marking a significant step towards racial equality in the United States.
The effect of Plessy v Ferguson was to perpetuate racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the South, where Jim Crow laws enforced the separation of races in public spaces. This led to unequal access to resources and opportunities for African Americans, perpetuating a system of racial oppression and inequality.
In contrast, Brown v Board of Education had a profound impact on US citizens by dismantling the legal basis for segregation and paving the way for greater civil rights and equality for all races. This decision inspired the civil rights movement and efforts to combat racial discrimination in various spheres of society. Overall, the cases of Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.