Desegregation of the military

The desegregation of the military refers to the process of ending racial separation within the armed forces. Prior to this, the military was divided along racial lines, with African Americans often serving in separate units under different conditions. The landmark Executive Order 9981, signed by President Harry Truman in 1948, mandated equal treatment and integrated the armed forces, promoting racial equality. This shift aimed to create a more unified, fair, and effective military, reflecting broader civil rights progress in American society. Desegregation helped break down racial barriers and fostered greater diversity and inclusion within the military.