What was the primary concern of early segregation laws after the turn of the century?

The primary concern of early segregation laws after the turn of the century was to establish separate facilities and entrances for different races. These laws, often referred to as Jim Crow laws, were designed to institutionalize racial discrimination and segregation in public spaces, including schools, transportation, restrooms, and other facilities. The intent was to create a clear social and legal separation between whites and African Americans, asserting that the two races should not share the same public spaces or services.

By mandating separate facilities, these laws reinforced the notion of racial hierarchy and inequality, directly opposing any movement toward integration or equality. This separation extended beyond physical spaces to a broader social order that sought to uphold white supremacy and deny African Americans their civil rights. The focus on creating distinct and separate environments clearly illustrates the primary objective of these laws was not about promoting equality or integration, but rather entrenching divisions within society.