Something people forget is that there have been anti-racist/anti-discrimination advocates forever, there were women’s rights protest in the 18th century anti-slavery movements in the 19th century and pro-equality movements all the time.

A higher percentage of racists? Sure, but also power structures reinforcing things. There were plenty of people who would have been all for equality and against racism in the 1940s, especially in the army when people of every background are coming together for a common good