Plessy v. Ferguson

So much is going on leading up to the Plessy v. Ferguson case. In the 1860s-1890s, tension swept across the United States on the issue of slavery. Some viewed slavery as a good or a bad, there was much debate. The North, still believed that slavery was morally and absolutely wrong; the South still had many disputes over the issue of slavery and why it could be beneficial to society and especially for the government. 

After the American Civil War from 1861-1865, the turbulent or disorder after this war became known as the Reconstruction era, lasting for 12 years and ending in 1877. Well, what happened after the Reconstruction Era? Was slavery just over? No, absolutely not, several more issues arose. Some include the separate but Equal doctrine, the Lost Cause Movement, and Jim Crow Laws.
Let's focus on the last one, Jim Crow laws. Historically, these were laws that enforced racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities, transportation, schools, and other aspects of daily life. The history of these laws followed immediately after the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Jim Crow laws perpetuated racial segregation and oppression.

Let me explain the background, Jim Crow was not the name of a real person. Instead, Jim Crow was actually the name of a fictional character that was created through a minstrel song that portrayed African Americans.

On top of this, black slave codes were also in effect. They consisted of labor restrictions, curfews, public gatherings, property ownership, and gun control. They were restrictive laws aimed at limiting the freedom of African Americans and ensuring their cheap labor force availability.

Black codes were a form and eventually replaced by the Jim Crow laws. In 1865, South Carolina and Mississippi were the first states that enacted black codes. In some cases, they were even required to have written evidence of their employment.

These backgrounds and events along with many other untouched issues ultimately led to the case of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. During this historic event, the Supreme Court made a significant advancement by a 7-1 majority, introducing the "separate but equal" doctrine as a means of assessing the constitutionality of racial segregation laws.

Here you will see that this case revolved around issues of racial segregation and equality, specifically in the context of public transportation.

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes

https://www.britannica.com/event/Jim-Crow-law

https://www.britannica.com/event/Plessy-v-Ferguson-1896