Fighting for Democracy shows how the experiences of African American soldiers during World War II and the Korean War influenced many of them to challenge white supremacy in the South when they returned home. Focusing on the motivations of individual black veterans, this groundbreaking book explores the relationship between military service and political activism. Christopher Parker draws on unique sources of evidence, including interviews and survey data, to illustrate how and why black servicemen who fought for their country in wartime returned to America prepared to fight for their own equality.

War, military service, and the prospect for change : a glance at history -- Military service and resistance : toward a theory of black republicanism -- Taking the crooked with the straight : the pros and cons of African American military experience during the 1940s and 50s -- When Jim Crow meets Uncle Sam : the veteran returns to Dixie -- Exploring the attitudinal consequences of African American military experience -- Dying to participate : political participation as a form of protest -- Taps for Jim Crow in the postwar South.