Between 1850 and 1950, African Americans accomplished much in their fight for equality and civil rights. Although they did not achieve full equality at the end of this period, their situation had already improved greatly by the end of these hundred years, especially in the South where they became free men after more than 200 years of slavery. This period is also known as a period in which the United States economy changed enormously from a rural agricultural economy to a global power. In this essay, I will discuss the likely effects of these economic changes on the black population and examine the extent to which it benefited them. It will show the different ways in which black people fought for better rights, equality and desegregation. We will also see that it is not just through economic development that their situation has improved, but that it is a whole series of different factors that have brought about these important changes. During these hundred years, the United States economy has undergone enormous changes. In just a few decades, it transformed from an agricultural economy to an industrialized country, becoming the global superpower it still is today. In the 1850s, the expansion of the railroads had a huge impact on the economy. Indeed, it was now easier to transport goods and raw materials; people could also travel faster and more affordably. It was also a stimulus for industries like steel, because it was a raw material necessary for the construction of these new infrastructures. It also created new cities like Atlanta and Chicago. This period is known as a time of economic growth, expansion and creation of industries and population growth where new markets were continually opening up. In 1860, 16%...... middle of paper ......sis were African Americans who were still in the South. This caused them to migrate north, putting even greater pressure on the cities. In 1940, World War II broke out, creating new opportunities for African Americans. About 125,000 blacks served in the military during World War II. This was often in all-black regiments. Despite unequal treatment, blacks served with distinction during the war. On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued an executive order abolishing racial discrimination in the United States military. This order ended racism and segregation in all troops. They hoped that the war would give them better rights and it can be said that this was done to a certain extent, because there was no longer any segregation. However, this was limited to the army and not the entire country. But it was certainly an important step forward towards equal rights.