White Supremacy

Definition

White supremacy is a racist ideology that promotes the belief that white people are superior to individuals of other racial and ethnic backgrounds, leading to systemic discrimination and social injustice. This ideology was deeply rooted in American society, influencing political, social, and economic structures, especially during the period surrounding the Civil War and continuing into the modern era. It has manifested in various forms, including laws, practices, and organizations that uphold racial hierarchies and promote segregation and oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, which was supported by anti-slavery Republicans, heightened fears among white supremacists of losing their social status and power, leading to increased tensions in the nation.
2. Following Lincoln's election, several Southern states seceded from the Union, driven in part by a desire to protect the institution of slavery and uphold white supremacy.
3. White supremacy was a key motivating factor behind the establishment of the Confederate States of America, which sought to preserve a society based on slavery and racial hierarchy.
4. During the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan emerged to resist civil rights advancements for African Americans and restore white control in Southern states.
5. The legacy of white supremacy has continued into the 20th and 21st centuries, with ongoing struggles against racism and inequality evident in movements advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of white supremacy influence political decisions during the time leading up to secession?
  • White supremacy significantly influenced political decisions as it drove many Southern politicians to support secession following Lincoln's election. They believed that his presidency threatened their way of life and the institution of slavery, which was foundational to their economic interests. This fear led to a collective decision among Southern states to secede in order to preserve their racial hierarchy and maintain control over African Americans.
• In what ways did white supremacy manifest during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War?
  • During Reconstruction, white supremacy manifested through violent opposition to African American civil rights advancements. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan emerged to intimidate African Americans and their allies, using terror tactics to undermine Reconstruction policies. The establishment of Jim Crow laws further institutionalized segregation and disenfranchisement, reinforcing racial inequalities that persisted long after Reconstruction ended.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of white supremacy on American society from the Civil War to present day.
  • The long-term impacts of white supremacy have been profound and far-reaching in American society. From its entrenchment during the Civil War and Reconstruction through Jim Crow laws, it has shaped social norms and systemic inequalities that continue today. The struggles against racism have sparked movements for civil rights, leading to ongoing debates about equity and justice. This history highlights how deeply ingrained attitudes can persist over generations, affecting socio-economic opportunities for marginalized communities even in contemporary times.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Ku Klux Klan:

A white supremacist hate group formed after the Civil War that used terror and violence to maintain white dominance and oppose civil rights for African Americans.

Racial Segregation:

The enforced separation of different racial groups in daily life, including schools, public facilities, and housing, perpetuated by laws and social customs.