Experienced significant discrimination: African Americans faced widespread racial discrimination and segregation, both legally and socially. They were denied access to many opportunities and faced limited social and economic mobility.
Migrated to Northern cities: During the Great Migration, many African Americans moved from the rural South to Northern cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles in search of better economic opportunities and to escape racial oppression.
Contributed to expanding civil rights: The post-World War I period saw the rise of influential African American leaders and organizations that advocated for civil rights, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which fought against discrimination and segregation.
Mexican immigrants:
Increased immigration: The post-World War I era saw a significant increase in Mexican immigration to the United States due to economic hardships in Mexico, such as the Mexican Revolution, as well as labor shortages in the United States caused by the war.
Worked in various industries: Mexican immigrants found jobs in industries such as agriculture, railroads, mining, and steel production, contributing to the American workforce.
Faced discrimination: Mexican immigrants encountered discrimination and prejudice from some segments of American society, although not to the same extent as African Americans.
Cultural assimilation: Many Mexican immigrants and their descendants assimilated into American culture while preserving their cultural traditions.
Overall, both African Americans and Mexican immigrants faced challenges related to discrimination, but their experiences and contributions to American society were distinct and shaped by their respective histories and circumstances.