| One of the most significant trends of the postwar era has
been steady population growth, resulting from large migrations
to the state from within the U.S. and from countries throughout
the western hemisphere, notably Cuba and Haiti. Florida
is now the fourth most populous state in the nation.
The people who make up Florida's diverse population have
worked to make the Sunshine State a place where all citizens
have equal rights under the law. Since the 1950s, Florida's
public education system and public places have undergone
great changes. African American citizens, joined by Governor
LeRoy Collins and other white supporters, fought to end
racial discrimination in schools and other institutions.
Since World War II, Florida's economy also has become more
diverse. Tourism, cattle, citrus, and phosphate have been
joined by a host of new industries that have greatly expanded
the numbers of jobs available to residents.
Text from: A Short History of Florida
Used with the permission of Florida's Division of Historical
Resources |
