World War 1 can be described as a transformative moment for all black Americans because as the war ignited across Europe, black Americans found an opportunity to win their respect among their white counterparts. America was an isolated society at the time with black Americans being considered as second class citizens. Despite this, black Americans were more than willing to serve in the military when it became apparent that he US would enter into war with Germany but they were still turned away from the military (Hammond & Clary, 1991). So many blacks were eligible to secure places in the military but they were not allowed to serve in combat units. They were limited to labor battalions but they fought on until they were eligible for higher positions in the military but this did not guarantee equal treatment. This shows that one of the main problems that faced black soldiers during World War 1 was discrimination. Other problems that erupted include racial violence, political protests and migration.
However, African American soldiers created such a backlash that the war department created two more combat divisions for black soldiers. The army department also created a segregated but equal training camp for army officers. This opened doors for black Americans officer trainees who would eventually take up leadership (Millett, Maslowski & Feis, 2012)
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Black Americans were also commissioned as either captain or first and second lieutenant and were signed to special units in the 92 nd division. More so, the military recruited many blacks and exposed them to new opportunities as well as giving them a chance to fight for their country. These changes had a positive impact on other black Americans because their place in the society changed. There was a wartime opportunity for black Americans in the north which gave hope for immigrants from the south. The war also gave black Americans right to citizenship and to demonstrate against racial injustices.
In conclusion, World War 1 was a turning point for African Americans because it reshaped their course in the twentieth century.it gave most of the a sense of belonging and self-worth.
References
Millett, A. R., Maslowski, P., & Feis, W. B. (2012)
Hammond, L., & Clary, D. (1991). Fortress America: The Corps of Engineers, Hampton Roads, and United States Coastal Defense. The Journal Of Military History , 55 (1), 113. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1986143
