Which of the following did NOT characterize African-American life during World War II? A. Black membership in civil rights organizations increased dramatically. B. Blacks joined industrial unions in greater numbers. C. Black political power affected the outcome of elections in Northern cities. D. Segregation finally ended.

The correct answer is D.

The end of segregation would not be legally enforced until 1964, when the Civil Rights Act was enacted, after the many protests that have taken place during Civil Rights Movement. It was during, and specially after WWII, when the fight of black people for equal rights became more intense. Hence, option A is true.

Option B is also true. Black people were only accepted in a few divisions of the army, due to segretation, and they took charge of other job positions instead, while white males were abroad at war.

Option C is true as well. Northern states were complying with the Constitutional 15th amendment which granted voting rights to all citizens. Many Southern states did not, and constantly set barriers to prevent black population to access the vote. Equal rights in voting matters did not appear until the Voting Rights Act of 1964. Hence, during WWII, in the abscense of many white people, Black votes had greater impact in Northern states. This could not happen in the South where most black people could not de facto vote.