Read the excerpt below from a historical text:
"Is it possible, and probable, that nine millions of men can make effective progress in economic lines if they are deprived of political rights, made a servile caste, and allowed only the most meagre chance for developing their exceptional men? If history teaches anything, it is that the economic ruin of any class is inevitable, if the class has no political power to protect its rights."
Based on this excerpt, which of the following best describes the author's critique of the opposing strategy for African American advancement?
- Political rights and civil protections are necessary prerequisites to secure and maintain any economic gains made by African Americans.Answer
- BVocational education is fundamentally detrimental to the race and must be completely replaced by classical academic training.
- CEconomic accumulation is the sole driver of social equality, and civil rights will naturally follow once wealth is achieved.
- DAfrican Americans should abandon Southern agriculture entirely and migrate to northern industrial centers to establish political power.
Answer
Political rights and civil protections are necessary prerequisites to secure and maintain any economic gains made by African Americans.
The author of the excerpt argues that economic progress cannot be sustained or protected without political power and civil rights. Therefore, the option stating that political rights and civil protections are necessary prerequisites to secure and maintain economic gains is correct.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The relationship between economic self-reliance and political rights in the Washington-Du Bois debate.
Estimated Time:1m 30s