What led to the Plessy v. Ferguson case? What did the Supreme Court rule? How did this impact the time period of segregation and African Americans?

Question

I need help my assignment is only open for another hour!

Answer 1

Homer Plessy was 1/8th Black.  In Louisiana, he was considered an "octoroon".  And even though he was only 1/8th Black, he was considered Black, period.  In order to test the segregation of the races, which existed at the time, he purchased a first class train ticket.  He sat in the first class carriage, but was told that first class was for Whites only, so he had to move to the second class, or Black carriage.  When he refused, he was arrested.

The case made its way to the Supreme Court, The Court decided that Louisiana's segregation law did not violate the 14th Amendment.  The separate but equal doctrine was born.  The Court stated that separate facilities were constitutional, ad long as they were equal.

This decision gave segregationists the support they needed to keep Blacks second-class citizens.

 

Also see: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/163/537

and: https://www.oyez.org/cases/1850-1900/163us537

 

Good luck!