W.E.B. Du Bois

Definition

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, known for his role in advocating for African American equality in the early 20th century. He co-founded the NAACP and was a vocal critic of Booker T. Washington's accommodationist approach to racial issues, arguing instead for immediate civil rights and higher education for African Americans. His views and writings significantly influenced the discourse around race relations during and after World War I.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1895, paving the way for future scholars.
2. He emphasized the importance of higher education for African Americans, believing that it was essential for achieving social and political equality.
3. In 1905, Du Bois organized the Niagara Movement, which called for civil rights and opposed the policies of accommodation promoted by Washington.
4. His book 'The Souls of Black Folk,' published in 1903, is considered a seminal work in African American literature and lays out his thoughts on race and society.
5. Du Bois's activism during World War I included his criticism of racism within the military and advocating for African Americans' rights as they served their country.

Review Questions

• How did W.E.B. Du Bois's approach to civil rights differ from that of Booker T. Washington?
  • W.E.B. Du Bois believed in demanding immediate civil rights and higher education for African Americans, while Booker T. Washington advocated for vocational training and gradual economic advancement. Du Bois argued that true equality could not be achieved through accommodation or compromise. Instead, he pushed for political activism and intellectual development as key components in the fight against racial discrimination.
• Evaluate the significance of the NAACP in advancing civil rights during the era of W.E.B. Du Bois.
  • The NAACP played a crucial role in advancing civil rights during W.E.B. Du Bois's time by providing a structured platform for activism against racial injustice. Through legal challenges, public campaigns, and advocacy efforts, the NAACP sought to dismantle segregation and discrimination laws. Du Bois's involvement with the organization helped elevate its mission, making it a central force in the fight for civil rights in America.
• Assess how W.E.B. Du Bois's ideas influenced African American thought and activism in the context of World War I and its aftermath.
  • W.E.B. Du Bois's ideas had a profound impact on African American thought and activism during World War I and beyond by advocating for full civil rights and social justice at a time when many African Americans were serving in the military. His call for recognition of their contributions contrasted sharply with the prevailing racial discrimination faced by black soldiers. The war ignited discussions about race relations, leading to increased activism among African Americans who embraced Du Bois's vision of equality, ultimately shaping movements like the Harlem Renaissance and later Civil Rights efforts.

Related terms

NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization co-founded by Du Bois in 1909, aimed at fighting for civil rights and combating racial discrimination.

Talented Tenth: A term coined by Du Bois to refer to the top ten percent of educated African Americans who he believed should lead the fight for civil rights and uplift the entire community.

Booker T. Washington: An African American educator and advocate for vocational training, whose approach to racial issues was based on accommodation and economic self-help, contrasting sharply with Du Bois's views.