“I Hope to Have Justice Done Me or I Can’t Get Along Here”: James Webster Smith and West Point
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Authors
McGovern, Rory
Campbell, Makonen
Koebrich, Louisa
Issue Date
2023-10
Type
Journal articles
Language
Keywords
James Webster Smith , United States Military Academy , West Point , Reconstruction , Integration , Black Military Service , Black Army Officers , Racism
Alternative Title
Abstract
James W. Smith’s experience as West Point’s first Black cadet is a microcosm of Reconstruction and the struggle to integrate West Point. It began with the best of intentions, but ultimately failed due to a destructive combination of racist antipathy and the apathy of those who could have intervened on his behalf. His extraordinary persistence and perseverance changed the environment at the Academy, forcing the West Point community to shift from active to passive resistance. Although he did not reap the rewards himself, Smith made graduation possible, if still not probable, for those African American cadets who followed.
Description
Citation
McGovern, Rory, Makonen Campbell, and Louisa Koebrich. “‘I Hope to Have Justice Done Me or I Can’t Get Along Here’: James Webster Smith and West Point.” Journal of Military History 87, no. 4 (October 2023): 964–1003.
Publisher
The Journal of Military History