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Difficulty: MediumBooker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois Debate

In his 1901 autobiography, Booker T. Washington wrote the following passage:

"I have learned that our people are constantly progressing; that they are buying land, building homes, and operating businesses. In proportion as they do this, they will win the respect of their neighbors, and the friction between the races will pass away."

Which of the following statements best describes how W.E.B. Du Bois critiqued the strategy presented in this passage?

  1. Political rights and the ballot are essential to protect the economic gains and property ownership of African Americans.Answer
  2. B
    African Americans should avoid purchasing property or starting businesses until full social integration is achieved.
  3. C
    Vocational and industrial training programs should be entirely abandoned in favor of classical liberal arts education.
  4. D
    Racial discrimination and segregation would be resolved solely through court challenges, making economic progress irrelevant.

Answer

Political rights and the ballot are essential to protect the economic gains and property ownership of African Americans.
The correct answer is correct because W.E.B. Du Bois argued that economic accumulation and property ownership could not be safely maintained by a disenfranchised class. Without political power and the protection of the ballot, any economic progress made by African Americans was vulnerable to being stripped away by discriminatory laws and racial terror.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the provided passage by Booker T. Washington.
Washington argues that by acquiring property, building homes, and running businesses, African Americans will earn the respect of white neighbors and reduce racial friction, implying that economic progress should precede political rights.
Understanding the source text's core argument is necessary to evaluate the critique.
2
Recall W.E.B. Du Bois's specific critique of Washington's strategy, particularly as outlined in 'The Souls of Black Folk'.
Du Bois argued that economic progress is insecure without civil rights and the right to vote, because disenfranchised people lack the legal and political tools to protect their property and wealth.
This identifies the intellectual counterargument to Washington's accommodationist strategy.
3
Evaluate the choices to identify which one accurately reflects Du Bois's critique without oversimplifying either thinker's position.
The statement regarding political rights and the ballot as essential safeguards correctly captures Du Bois's position, while the other options create false binaries or inaccurately portray Du Bois as entirely opposing economic development or vocational training.
This ensures the correct option is chosen and common misconceptions are avoided.

Key Concept

The Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois Debate
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Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois Debate

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