Question
Conclusion 13. Nearly eighty years after the United States ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt took steps to enforce it by issuing Grcular 3591, which mandated that federal attomosshould agressively prosecute any case of involuntary servitude or slavery. Why do you think it took so long for the federal government to take aggressive action? What can citizens do to put pressure on the federal government to act more quickly to change or enforce policy? 14. Scholar Adam Green notes that, "Without the appreciation of this history.you descend into fintasies that black people didn't deserve equal rights because black people -constitutionally.intellectually, morally-are not the equals of whites, period.How can not knowing the full story of history aid in fostering attitudes that are shortsighted?
Solution
Expert Verified
4.7(197 Voting)
SebastianAdvanced · Tutor for 1 years
Answer
13. The delay in aggressive federal action to enforce the Thirteenth Amendment, despite its ratification in 1865, can be attributed to several complex factors:<br /><br />* **Reconstruction Era Backlash:** Initial efforts during Reconstruction to enforce the amendment and protect Black civil rights were met with fierce resistance in the South. White supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan used violence and intimidation to undermine federal authority and reinstate systems of racial oppression, including forced labor.<br />* **Political Compromises:** As Reconstruction waned, political compromises were made that prioritized national reunification over racial equality. The federal government's commitment to protecting Black rights weakened, allowing Southern states to implement discriminatory laws and practices that effectively circumvented the Thirteenth Amendment.<br />* **Economic Interests:** The Southern economy relied heavily on exploitative labor practices, and many powerful interests benefited from systems of forced labor, particularly in agriculture. These economic interests lobbied against robust enforcement of the Thirteenth Amendment.<br />* **Racial Prejudice and Discrimination:** Deeply ingrained racial prejudice and discrimination throughout the country, including within the federal government itself, hindered efforts to fully enforce the amendment. Many officials held racist beliefs that justified the continued subjugation of Black people.<br />* **Lack of Political Will:** For decades, there was a lack of political will at the federal level to prioritize the enforcement of the Thirteenth Amendment. Other issues, including industrialization and westward expansion, often took precedence.<br /><br />Citizens can exert pressure on the federal government for quicker action on policy change and enforcement through various means:<br /><br />* **Advocacy and Activism:** Organizing protests, demonstrations, and public awareness campaigns can draw attention to injustices and demand government action.<br />* **Political Engagement:** Voting for candidates who support policies that promote equality and justice, contacting elected officials to express concerns, and supporting organizations that lobby for change can influence policy decisions.<br />* **Legal Action:** Filing lawsuits and supporting legal challenges to discriminatory laws and practices can force the government to address injustices.<br />* **Media and Public Discourse:** Utilizing media platforms, social media, and public forums to raise awareness, share information, and shape public opinion can create pressure for change.<br />* **Education and Awareness:** Educating oneself and others about the history of injustice and the ongoing need for change can empower individuals to take action.<br /><br /><br />14. Not knowing the full story of history, particularly regarding racial injustice and inequality, can contribute to shortsighted attitudes in several ways:<br /><br />* **Perpetuation of Myths and Misconceptions:** Incomplete or biased historical narratives can reinforce harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about marginalized groups. Without understanding the systemic factors that have contributed to inequality, people may attribute disparities to individual failings rather than historical injustices.<br />* **Lack of Empathy and Understanding:** A full understanding of history helps develop empathy and understanding for the experiences of others. Without this understanding, people may be less likely to recognize the ongoing impact of historical injustices and the need for redress.<br />* **Justification of Inequality:** Ignoring or downplaying the history of oppression can lead to the justification of present-day inequalities. If people are unaware of the systemic barriers faced by certain groups, they may view disparities as natural or deserved.<br />* **Resistance to Change:** A lack of historical awareness can fuel resistance to policies and initiatives aimed at promoting equality. Without understanding the historical context of inequality, people may view such efforts as unnecessary or unfair.<br />* **Repetition of Past Mistakes:** Failing to learn from the past can lead to the repetition of past mistakes. Without a full understanding of history, societies may be more likely to perpetuate cycles of injustice and discrimination.<br />
Click to rate: