Executive Order 9981

Executive Order 9981

Executive Order 9981 was a significant directive issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948. This order marked a pivotal moment in the history of the United States Armed Forces as it mandated the desegregation of the military, thereby ending racial discrimination within its ranks.

Background

Prior to the issuance of Executive Order 9981, the U.S. military was segregated by race. African American soldiers often faced discrimination and were typically assigned to separate units, often with inferior equipment and limited opportunities for advancement. The experiences of African American soldiers during World War II highlighted these inequities and increased pressure for change.

The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum during this period, and there was growing public support for racial equality. President Truman, influenced by these societal changes and the need for a more efficient military, decided to take action.

Provisions of the Order

Executive Order 9981 declared that "there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin." To implement this policy, the order established the President's Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services, also known as the Fahy Committee.

The committee was tasked with examining the practices of the military and ensuring compliance with the new policy of desegregation. It played a crucial role in overseeing the transition to an integrated military.

Impact and Implementation

The implementation of Executive Order 9981 was not immediate and faced resistance from various quarters within the military. However, over time, the order led to significant changes. By the time of the Korean War, the U.S. military had made substantial progress towards integration.

The order is often credited with laying the groundwork for further civil rights advancements in the United States. It demonstrated the federal government's commitment to civil rights and set a precedent for future actions aimed at ending racial discrimination.

Legacy

Executive Order 9981 is considered a landmark in the history of civil rights in the United States. It not only transformed the military but also had a broader impact on American society by challenging the status quo of racial segregation.

The order is remembered as a courageous step by President Truman, who faced significant political risks in issuing it. It is celebrated as a key moment in the struggle for racial equality and is often studied in the context of both military history and the civil rights movement.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Harry S. Truman
• Desegregation
• Korean War

References

• "Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces." National Archives.
• Dalfiume, Richard M. Desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces: Fighting on Two Fronts, 1939-1953.