Description
Executive Order 9981, issued on July 26, 1948 by President Harry S. Truman, was the first major step towards desegregation of the United States Armed Forces. The order abolished racial discrimination in the military and mandated that all personnel be treated equally, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.
The order specifically stated that all personnel should be evaluated, assigned, and promoted solely on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin. This was a major shift in policy for the US military, which had historically operated on the principle of segregation.
The order also established a committee to investigate and report on any existing discrimination in the Armed Forces, and to recommend corrective action. The committee identified several areas where discrimination was still occurring, and recommended specific steps to eliminate it.
The order was a major step forward in achieving racial equality in the United States, and was an important part of the civil rights movement. It marked the beginning of a new era in the US military, and was a major impetus for further desegregation of the military and of American society.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.