Racism in the Nation's Service: Government Workers and the Color Line in Woodrow Wilson's America

by Eric Yellin

Between the 1880s and 1910s, thousands of African Americans passed civil service exams and became employed in the executive offices of the federal government. However, by 1920, promotions to well-paying federal jobs had nearly vanished for black workers. Eric S. Yellin argues that the Wilson administration's successful 1913 drive to segregate the federal government was a pivotal episode in the age of progressive politics. Yellin investigates how the enactment of this policy, based on Progressives' demands for whiteness in government, imposed a color line on American opportunity and implicated Washington in the economic limitation of African Americans for decades to come. Using vivid accounts of the struggles and protests of African American government employees, Yellin reveals the racism at the heart of the era's reform politics. He illuminates the nineteenth-century world of black professional labor and social mobility in Washington, D.C., and uncovers the Wilson administration's prog

Genres: Race, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2013

Reviews

[Elle (ellexamines on TT & Substack) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of the role of racism in the history of bureaucratic development under the 1910s Democrats, with very good use of primary source information. I read this for a course on the history and politics of bureaucracy.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book depicts the sad evolution of the capital being a haven for Black opportunity of social mobility through federal employment into a segregated system that resulted to movement to other regions and the further expansion of segregation. Overall I enjoyed this book! It was specific in Washington D.C. which was a lot of information but not as overwhelming as a synthesis of segregation throughout the country. Despite my history professor getting upset with me, I do wonder what the United States would be like if Wilson had spoken up against segregation in the capital and furthermore encouraged Black people into the capital and in federal decisions— how different it would be.

I draw similarities to the Lavender Scare in the 1950s where D.C. had originally been a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community but the evolution of McCarthyism/Fear of Communism and Homophobia ruined political careers and lives. I recommend “The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government” by David K. Johnson.

[Reagan Kuennen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be very interesting! Wilson’s impact seems to be ever lasting…

[Jarred Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book dragged in some parts, Dr. Yellin proves his thesis, with a good amount of research, backing it with a good mix of statistics and personal experiences, which prove the racist, discriminatory effects of the Woodrow Wilson administration on the government and American Society.

[Jason S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book. Argues that as bad as Wilson was for segregation in the federal government, problems started under Taft and continued throughout the 1920s. Also interesting analysis of Black northern Democrats who supported Wilson in 1912.