If segregation was really bad ,why did it start in the first place?

The Black Codes and Jim Crow laws that brought racial segregation to many parts of the U.S. were a result of the enslavement of African-Americans. Remember -- that until 1865, many whites believed that it was only right that blacks were inferior and should be slaves. Since people don't change their minds over night -- or even in a generation or two, some whites continued the practice segregation to separate themselves from the former slaves and their descendants. Check these sites for more information.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAjimcrow.htm

(Broken Link Removed)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_segregation#United_States_.2819th-21st_century.29

My opinion - descendents of the "British Empire" have long had an over inflated opinion of their importance and worth. I might also point out that they held the "natives" of every one of their "conquered" nations in disregard whether it be India, Africa , Ireland or the New World. In addition , Writeacher has pointed out that "segregation" has taken place in many different societies over the ages; ie. the caste system in India. The attitude of "we are better" is easy to propogate..... far easier than "doing better".

Segregation, particularly racial segregation, has a complex history deeply rooted in societal, political, and economic factors. Understanding the reasons why it started requires a historical perspective.

In the United States, racial segregation began to take hold in the late 19th century and was solidified through the Jim Crow era from the 1890s to the 1960s. Several factors contributed to its initiation:

1. Slavery and the aftermath of the Civil War: Slavery, which existed from the 17th to the 19th century, entailed the forced labor of African Americans. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the southern states sought to maintain control over the newly freed population, leading to the emergence of segregationist policies aimed at reinforcing white dominance.

2. Racist ideologies: The belief in the superiority of the white race and the notion of racial purity were prevalent at the time. Many white Americans, particularly in the southern states, held racist attitudes and sought to maintain their perceived social and economic dominance over African Americans through segregation.

3. Political and legal pressures: In the late 19th century, southern states introduced a series of laws, known as "Jim Crow laws," that enforced racial segregation in public spaces such as schools, transportation, and housing. These laws were justified using the ideology of "separate but equal," a legal doctrine allowing racial segregation as long as the separate facilities were of supposedly equal quality. The Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896 further legitimized this doctrine.

4. Economic interests: Racial segregation also served economic purposes. By maintaining a segregated system, white employers could exploit the labor of African Americans while paying lower wages, ensuring a cheap workforce. Segregation also upheld discriminatory practices in housing, banking, and other sectors, perpetuating economic disparities.

It is important to note that although these were the historical factors that led to the establishment of segregation, they were rooted in racism, discrimination, and power imbalances. The detrimental impacts of segregation became increasingly evident over time, leading to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which sought to dismantle segregationist practices and promote equality for all people.