Between 1850 and 1950, African Americans achieved much in the fight for equality and civil rights. Although they did not achieve total equality at the end of that period, their situation had already improved greatly by the end of those hundred years, especially in the South where they became free men after over 200 years of slavery. This period is also known as a time during which the United States economy changed enormously, transforming from a rural agricultural economy to a world power. In this essay I will discuss the likely effects of such economic changes on the black population and examine the extent to which it has benefited them. It will show all the various ways blacks fought for better rights, equality, and desegregation. We will also see that it is not only thanks to economic development that their situation has improved, but that several factors have caused these important changes. Over these hundred years, the United States economy has gone through tremendous changes. In just a few decades it transformed from an agricultural economy to an industrialized country, becoming the global superpower it still is today. In the 1850s, the expansion of railroads made a huge difference in the economy. This was because it was now easier to transport goods and raw materials; people could also travel faster and more cheaply. It was also a stimulus for industries such as steel, because it was a necessary raw material for the construction of these new infrastructures. He also created new cities like Atlanta or Chicago. This period is known as a time of economic growth, expansion and creation of industries, and population growth in which new markets were continually opening up. In 1860, 16%...... half of paper ......sis were African Americans who were still in the South. This led them to migrate north, putting even more pressure on the cities. In 1940, World War II broke out, creating new opportunities for African Americans. About 125,000 blacks served in the Army during World War II. He was often in the All Blacks regiments. Despite the unequal treatment, blacks served with distinction during the war. On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued an executive order abolishing racial discrimination in the U.S. Army. This order ended racism and segregation throughout the troops. They hoped that the war would give them more rights and it can be said that to a certain extent this was the case, since there was no longer segregation. However this was limited to the army and not the entire country. But it was certainly an important step forward towards equal rights.