Which action desegregated the U.S. military?

Which action desegregated the U.S. military?

• A. Voting Rights Act of 1965
• B. Equal Rights Amendment
• C. Executive Order 9981
• D. Civil Rights Act of 1957

Answer: (C)

Desegregation of the U.S. military happened through a presidential executive action that set a formal policy for integration. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, directing that the armed forces be desegregated and that treatment and opportunities for service members be equal regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This order established the principle of equality in the military and laid the groundwork for full integration, even though implementation faced resistance and took time to complete. The other items address voting rights or gender equality, but they do not specifically desegregate the armed forces.

Desegregation of the U.S. military happened through a presidential executive action that set a formal policy for integration. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, directing that the armed forces be desegregated and that treatment and opportunities for service members be equal regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This order established the principle of equality in the military and laid the groundwork for full integration, even though implementation faced resistance and took time to complete. The other items address voting rights or gender equality, but they do not specifically desegregate the armed forces.