Compare and contrast the extent to which African Americans were able to achieve their goals during the second half of the 19th century with the extent to which they were able to achieve their goals between 1945 and 1970.

During the Reconstruction period and the period after the Second World War, African Americans intensified their struggle to achieve greater equality within American society.

Compare and contrast the extent to which African Americans were able to achieve their goals during the second half of the 19th century with the extent to which they were able to achieve their goals between 1945 and 1970.  Point to specific leaders, events and pieces of legislation to bolster your argument.