Question

1. Why did communism appeal to an increasing number of African Americans in the 1930s?

Answer 1

African Americans were a discriminated against at worplaces and their working conditions and salaries lagged far behind those of white workers. In the 1930's, the African Americans were still not enfranchised and were completely denied political rights. In such a situation, most political parties did not consider providing any rights to black workers. The communist party played a crucial role in fighting for the emancipation of the African Americans and demanded equal political representation for them. Although the communist party was not successful in including the African Americans during it's initial days of inception, it attracted considerable African Americans into the party in the 1930's. The party gave them a platform to demand for equal political representation and civil rights. Enfranchised African Americans could then demand for equal work rights for their community through the party.