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What is the Port Chicago 50?

What is the Port Chicago 50?

Fifty men‍—‌called the “Port Chicago 50″‍—‌were convicted of mutiny and sentenced to 15 years of prison and hard labor, as well as a dishonorable discharge. Forty-seven of the 50 were released in January 1946; the remaining three served additional months in prison.

Who is the main character in Port Chicago 50?

Joseph “Joe” Small is the central figure in the Port Chicago mutiny. A black American truck driver from New Jersey, Joe volunteers for service to defend America after Pearl Harbor.

What is the setting of the Port Chicago 50?

“The Port Chicago 50” tells the story of African Americans who signed up for the Navy, hoping to fight for their country overseas. Hundreds were instead ordered to load bombs and ammunition onto ships at Port Chicago, north of San Francisco, while white officers supervised from the pier.

What genre is the Port Chicago 50?

nonfiction
Steve Sheinkin is the award-winning author of fast-paced, cinematic nonfiction histories for young readers. The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights, was a National Book Award finalist and received the 2014 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Nonfiction.

Why is it called Port Chicago?

In 1931, as the Great Depression worsened, Walter Van Winkle, a business leader, proposed and succeeded in getting the name of the town changed from Bay Point to Port Chicago (after the Illinois city).

Why is Port Chicago Important?

The disaster at Port Chicago and its aftermath are important moments in African-American history. The events caught the attention of civil rights activist and chief counsel of the NAACP, Thurgood Marshall. He believed that the court martial unjustly charged the sailors with mutiny.

How many pages does Port Chicago 50 have?

208
Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781250073495
Pages: 208
Sales rank: 95,676
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile: 950L (what’s this?)

Who wrote the Port Chicago 50?

Steve Sheinkin
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights/Authors

What led to the Port Chicago Mutiny?

When the Navy refused to amend its procedures, the sailors declared they would not load the ships. Those who refused the order to load ammunition said that they would follow any order, save the one to do unsafe work under these conditions. Naval officials declared a mutiny and had most of the men arrested.

How did the Port Chicago disaster happen?

An ammunition ship explodes while being loaded in Port Chicago, California, killing 320 people on July 17, 1944. The United States’ World War II military campaign in the Pacific was in full swing at the time. Poor procedures and lack of training led to the disaster.

Who caused the Port Chicago disaster?

When was the Port Chicago 50 published?

2012
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights/Originally published

Who was involved in the Port Chicago 50?

In The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights, historian Steve Sheinkin traces the story of the Port Chicago 50, a group of African-American sailors charged with mutiny for disobeying orders during World War II.

Is there a study guide for the Port Chicago 50?

Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “The Port Chicago 50” by Steve Sheinkin. A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.

Why was the Navy on trial for the Port Chicago 50?

This is the Navy on trial for its whole vicious policy toward Negroes.” Marshall’s appeal of the guilty verdict was rejected.

What was the last book Steve Sheinkin wrote?

While Steve Sheinkin was researching his last book, “Bomb: The Race to Build — and Steal — the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” (later a National Book Award finalist and a Newbery Honor winner), he came across an astounding story from that era.