Source A: Excerpt from a historian

'The Jim Crow Laws were a series of state and local statutes that legalized racial segregation in the Southern United States. They emerged after Reconstruction and aimed to enforce white supremacy and restrict the rights of African Americans.' Provenance: Historian's summary, published in a history textbook, 2015.

Source B: Political factor

'Southern states sought to regain control over African Americans after Reconstruction by passing laws that enforced racial separation.' Provenance: Political historian, 2010.

Source C: Social factor

'Deep-rooted racial prejudices in Southern communities fueled support for segregation policies.' Provenance: Social researcher, 2012.

Source D: Economic factor

'Maintaining racial segregation allowed white employers to control Black labor and keep wages low.' Provenance: Economic analyst, 2014.

Source E: Religious factor

'Many white religious leaders justified segregation as part of their moral duty to uphold social order.' Provenance: Religious studies journal, 2016.

Compare the importance of the Political, Social, Economic, and Religious factors in causing the Jim Crow Laws. Which do you think was the most significant factor? Justify your answer with evidence from the sources or your own knowledge.

Source F: Impact of economic control

'By enforcing segregation, white employers were able to control Black labor, which helped maintain economic dominance in the South.' Provenance: Economic historian, 2013.

Source G: Justification from religious leaders

'Many white religious leaders believed segregation was part of their moral duty to uphold social order and prevent racial mixing.' Provenance: Religious studies journal, 2016.