Final answer:
The Plessy v. Ferguson case solidified 'separate but equal' as a legal doctrine for racial segregation, which was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, ruling that segregation in public education was unconstitutional and prompting the dismantling of segregation across various aspects of society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The landmark Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the 'separate but equal' doctrine, which became the legal foundation for racial segregation in the United States. This decision was directly challenged by the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954, which significantly altered the course of American civil rights.
The Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education unanimously ruled that segregation in public education violated the Constitution, thereby overturning the precedent set by Plessy and declaring that 'separate but equal' is inherently unequal. This transformational decision made segregation in public schools unconstitutional and laid down a legal framework that was subsequently used to challenge and dismantle segregation in other areas of American life.
The Plessy decision held for almost sixty years, during which hundreds of civil rights lawsuits were launched challenging the standard of 'equality' in segregated facilities. The civil rights movement gained a significant victory with the Brown decision, and the subsequent social and legal ramifications were instrumental in progressing towards a more integrated society. By overruling Plessy, the Supreme Court showed its commitment to rectify the injustices of legalized racism, paving the way for future reforms.