A Study Of The “march On Washington Movement” In United States In 1941

March on Washington Movement(MOWM)is well known as a social movement and black grassroots protest,which sets a precedent to force prompt federal action.The Emancipation Proclamation began to abolish slavery in the United States.However,because of the racial segregation enforced by Jim Crow Laws,African Americans never enjoyed equal rights for all citizens.At the very beginning of the Second World War,black men and women refused to endure racial discrimination in war industries and in the Army.They demanded an equal access to jobs in the national defense industry and an end to segregation in the military.Spearheaded by A.Philip Randolph,MOWM was launched in 1941.There were about 100,000 black Americans planned to take part in this mass protest demonstration in Washington.The threat of MOWM produced results.President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802,establishing the Fair Employment Practice Committee(FEPC),banning racial discrimination in government employment,defense industries,and training programs.In exchange,Randolph postponed this protest demonstration.By studying the government documents,archives of black organizations and oral history,combining with past research achievements,this dissertation intended to tell the entire history of MOWM in 1941,including it’s historic evolution,method of organization,tactics of struggle,success and failure.Chapter one is mainly about the background of MOWM.The enforcement of Jim Crow Laws touched off vehement racial tension.World War II created employment opportunities,which made racial tension become public conflicts.This part explains the reason why black grassroots protest happened in 1940 s in the United StatesChapter two tells the story of Randolph’s life during 1911 to 1941,including his college experience,career path and ideological development.As an orator,the editor of Messenger,and a labor leader,Randolph formed his mind,accumulated experience of struggling with employers and government,and expanded his mass base.Chapter three introduces the launch of MOWM.Jobs Randolph initiated this protest march including declared African Americans’ demands,organized and mobilized marchers,constructed national office,and announced special plans of action.Under the preparation of Randolph,the March on Washington Movement with 100,000 African Americans loomed.Chapter four analyzes the postponed of MOWM.The Roosevelt administration and MOWM forged a reciprocity relationship with each other.President Roosevelt smoothed MOWM over by Executive Order 8802 and FEPC.Based on this opportunty,Randolph postponed the MOWM.Chapter five summarizes the significance and deficiency of MOWM.For African Americans,MOWM was hardly alone in waging a campaign?for?equal rights and civil rights.First of all,MOWM is part and parcel of the "Double V " campaign,which proved to be a turning point in African-American history.Second,MOWM helped black workers find jobs in defense plants.It was an opportunity to guarantee their daily lives during the wartime.Third,successful organization and cohesion of black grassroots activists helped to write a new chapter in the history of African American Civil Rights movement.Fourth,in MOWM,Randolph broadened the protest tactics available to African Americans,such as using mass pressure and non-violent civil disobedience,which set the stage for the modern Civil Rights movement of the postwar years.Regrettably,the actual employment opportunity was still unequal after the MOWM.Secondly,Randolph did not achieve his all objectives.