| | In the late 1800s the United States was still admitting new states almost as fast as they could form. For example, in 1896 Utah was admitted as a new state. That was the territory settled by Mormons after they migrated from Illinois. As a condition of admission to the United States, Utah agreed to accept only traditional marriage and to ban the practice of polygamy (multiple wives for one husband). | | In the late 1800s the United States was still admitting new states almost as fast as they could form. For example, in 1896 Utah was admitted as a new state. That was the territory settled by Mormons after they migrated from Illinois. As a condition of admission to the United States, Utah agreed to accept only traditional marriage and to ban the practice of polygamy (multiple wives for one husband). |
| − | Also in 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court held that racial segregation in public facilities, schools, railroads, restaurants and elsewhere were fully constitutional, under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This was the decision of ''Plessy v. Ferguson'', and it is considered one of the worst judicial decisions ever. It remained the law until it was overturned in 1954 by another Supreme Court decision, ''Brown v. Board of Education'', which then began the process of integration in many schools. Hence from 1896 to 1954 many public schools, particularly in the South, were segregated by the skin color of the students. | + | Also in 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court held that racial segregation in public facilities, schools, railroads, restaurants and elsewhere was fully constitutional, under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This was the decision of ''Plessy v. Ferguson'', and it is considered one of the worst judicial decisions ever. It remained the law until it was overturned in 1954 by another Supreme Court decision, ''Brown v. Board of Education'', which then began the process of integration in many public schools. Hence from 1896 to 1954 many public schools, particularly in the South, were segregated by the skin color of the students. |
| | But before we get to 1896, let's learn more about the 1880s. | | But before we get to 1896, let's learn more about the 1880s. |