My history question is:

How did issues regarding African American quality shaped the US from 1850s to the 1920s?

I have my outline done but its just that I don't know how to connect it all together.

I assume you mean equality??

What is your thesis statement?

This site may help you.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

Issues regarding African Americans shaped the United States from 1850 to the 1920s. African Americans had a great impact upon war, settlement patterns, legislation, politics, education and culture.

That's two sentences. Can you condense it to one, following the guidelines in the site I posted?

To connect your outline and better understand how issues regarding African American equality shaped the US from the 1850s to the 1920s, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Research the historical context: Begin by understanding the key events, laws, and social conditions during this time period. Look into topics such as slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws, and the Civil Rights Movement.

2. Understand the impact of slavery and its abolition: Start by examining the institution of slavery in the United States and its lasting effects. Consider how the abolitionist movement and the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 affected African Americans' legal status, political participation, and social changes.

3. Analyze the Reconstruction era: Study the period immediately after the Civil War when the country attempted to rebuild and integrate African Americans into society. Look into political reforms, the establishment of black codes, and the Freedmen's Bureau. Consider the successes and failures of Reconstruction in granting African Americans equal rights.

4. Examine the rise of segregation and discrimination: Explore the way discriminatory practices and racial violence increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Research the significance of Supreme Court cases like Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which established "separate but equal" doctrine, and their impact on African American access to education, public facilities, voting rights, and economic opportunities.

5. Consider the role of civil rights activism: Investigate the efforts of African American leaders and civil rights organizations to challenge racial inequality. Look at figures such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marcus Garvey. Analyze their differing approaches to achieving equality and the impact of their ideas on the broader society.

6. Evaluate the impact of World War I and the Great Migration: Examine how African American involvement and experiences during World War I, as well as the migration of African Americans to Northern cities, influenced their struggle for equality. Consider the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, economic opportunities, and growing political consciousness during this time period.

7. Main ideas and connections: Once you have a solid understanding of these key historical developments, you can begin connecting your outline. Identify the significant events, policies, and social conditions that affected African American equality during the given time frame. Consider how each of these factors influenced one another and connect them using cause-and-effect relationships. Be sure to illustrate how these issues shaped American society as a whole, including political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions.

Remember to support your claims with evidence from reliable sources like scholarly articles, books, primary sources, and reputable websites to strengthen your understanding of the topic and to construct a well-supported argument.