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Student Article

Jim Crow Laws: America’s Era of Racial Segregation

Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

From blackface minstrel shows to civil rights protests, this article traces the rise and fall of racial segregation in the United States.

The article "Jim Crow Laws: America’s Era of Racial Segregation" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a guide to how racial segregation shaped American life from the 1870s to the 1960s. It explores the origins of the term "Jim Crow," the laws and court cases that enforced segregation, and the brave individuals and movements that challenged them — leading to major civil rights victories.
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

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Two water fountains on a wall, one labeled WHITE and the other labeled COLORED
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1300-1450L
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