Question

question 1 of 10

by signing executive order 9981, president truman:

a. desegregated the military.
b. desegregated colleges.
c. protected voting rights for black americans.
d. ended banking practices that were unfair to black americans.

Explanation:

Identify the historical context of Executive Order 9981

Executive Order 9981 was issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948. This crucial presidential directive was a major milestone in the early modern civil rights movement.

Analyze the purpose and impact of the order

The order declared "that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." This mandate effectively abolished racial discrimination and initiated the process of desegregating the United States Armed Forces.

Evaluate the given multiple-choice options

• A. desegregated the military. This directly aligns with the mandate of Executive Order 9981.
• B. desegregated colleges. College desegregation was primarily achieved later through court cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and subsequent federal actions.
• C. protected voting rights for Black Americans. Voting rights protections were primarily established through legislative acts, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• D. ended banking practices that were unfair to Black Americans. Fair housing and banking practices (combating redlining) were addressed much later by the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

Answer:

• A. desegregated the military. (Correct answer)
• B. desegregated colleges.
• C. protected voting rights for Black Americans.
• D. ended banking practices that were unfair to Black Americans.