Segregation and discrimination in the USA
I can describe the history of segregation in the USA.
Segregation and discrimination in the USA
I can describe the history of segregation in the USA.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1865, slavery came to an end, but racism would not disappear overnight.
- Jim Crow laws had enforced segregation across southern states in the US, but also some northern states.
- Jim Crows laws were introduced to limit the freedoms introduced in the Reconstruction era.
- Discrimination and segregation increased in the late 1800s, and worsened after the Plessy v Ferguson verdict (1896)
Keywords
Discrimination - discrimination is unjust treatment based on a particular characteristic or physical trait
Segregation - when different groups of people are forcefully kept separate or apart it is called segregation
Jim Crow laws - Jim Crow laws were a set of laws that enforced segregation in the USA, named after 'Jim Crow' - a stereotype of lazy, black American people
Lynched - when someone is lynched they are killed for an offence without a trial, usually by an armed group
Common misconception
Jim Crow laws only impacted southern states in the US.
Although Jim Crow laws were implemented in every southern state, there was still some segregation in northern states.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Segregation and discrimination in the USA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Segregation and discrimination in the USA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the USA: how did the civil rights movement develop between 1954-60? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
protections that ensure equal treatment and prevent discrimination
disparity in the distribution of resources or opportunities
the movement to permanently end the practice of enslaving humans
Exit quiz
6 Questions
unjust treatment based on a particular characteristic or trait
when different groups of people are forcefully kept separate or apart
to kill someone for an offence without a trial