A Level History - America - Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The outcome of the Plessy vs. Ferguson case established the doctrine of "separate but equal," which became a legal foundation for racial segregation in the United States. The Supreme Court ruled in 1896 that racial segregation in public facilities was constitutional as long as the separate facilities provided for both races were equal in quality. This decision legitimized state laws that enforced segregation and led to the proliferation of discriminatory practices, particularly in the Southern states, impacting various areas such as education, transportation, and public accommodations.

This ruling was not aimed at promoting equal rights for women, nor did it lead to the end of segregation laws nationwide, which continued for decades until the civil rights movement. Additionally, it did not introduce federal regulations on public transportation; rather, it upheld the states' rights to enforce segregation on public transport and other facilities. Understanding this context highlights the significant and lasting implications of the Plessy v. Ferguson decision on American society.