Jackie Robinson: More Than A Baseball Pioneer

Introduction:

From 1941 to 1945, World War II overwhelmed the world stage. Following the war, here in the United States, a climate of change began. Soldiers came back from the war and worked hard to find their places back in society. African American soldiers had fought and died to defend a nation that did not view them as equal citizens. During the Truman Administration we begin to see the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement. The Truman administration went considerably beyond Roosevelt’s New Deal in the area of civil rights. Although, a conservative Congress thwarted Truman's desire to achieve significant civil rights legislation, he was able to use his powers as President to achieve some important changes. He issued executive orders desegregating the armed forces and forbidding racial discrimination in Federal employment. He also established a Committee on Civil Rights. His wife Bess shared these views. There was a strong feeling among the African American population of the United States that things needed to change and change soon. In 1947 Jackie Robinson inspired the African American community of the entire nation when he became the first black player to play in previously all white Major League Baseball. He did not intend to be a hero, and he faced unbelievable racism in the process but he became a model of pride, dignity, and class that still inspires a nation.

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