The Color of Law

Richard Rothstein's groundbreaking history reveals that the racial divide in American cities was primarily shaped by government-enforced policies rather than individual prejudices or private actions. Tracing the roots of de jure segregation from the 1920s through post-World War II urban planning and suburban development, the book uncovers how legal decisions and government programs established and sustained racial disparities in housing. By exploring this often overlooked history, Rothstein offers vital insights into the legacy of segregation and its ongoing impact on racial tensions today.