Question

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

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois debated the most effective strategies for the advancement of African Americans. While Washington emphasized vocational training and economic self-reliance, Du Bois advocated for a different approach to leadership and higher education. Which of the following concepts represents the educational philosophy championed by Du Bois?

  1. The 'Talented Tenth' receiving a classical liberal arts education to lead social and political struggleAnswer
  2. B
    The focus on agricultural and industrial labor to achieve immediate financial security
  3. C
    The organized migration of African Americans to West Africa to establish a sovereign nation
  4. D
    The creation of a mass populist nationalist movement centered on global Black economic independence

Answer

The 'Talented Tenth' receiving a classical liberal arts education to lead social and political struggle
The correct answer is the option describing the 'Talented Tenth' receiving a classical liberal arts education. W.E.B. Du Bois argued that political and social equality could not be achieved without highly educated leaders who could advocate for civil rights. He believed that developing this intellectual elite was critical for the progress of the entire community, differing from Washington's focus on immediate vocational labor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the educational philosophy of W.E.B. Du Bois in contrast to Booker T. Washington.
Booker T. Washington championed vocational, industrial, and agricultural education to build economic self-reliance. In contrast, W.E.B. Du Bois argued for higher academic education and classical training to develop leaders.
Understanding the fundamental distinction in their educational goals is necessary to identify Du Bois's specific strategy.
2
Recall the term Du Bois used for the intellectual leaders who would guide the African American community.
Du Bois coined the term the 'Talented Tenth' to describe the top ten percent of college-educated African Americans who would lead the fight for political and civil rights.
This specific concept directly aligns with the academic leadership philosophy advocated by Du Bois.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the option that matches Du Bois's 'Talented Tenth' concept.
The option referring to the 'Talented Tenth' receiving a classical liberal arts education is the correct choice.
It accurately reflects Du Bois's advocacy for classical academic training to prepare leaders for social change.

Key Concept

W.E.B. Du Bois's 'Talented Tenth' philosophy of higher education and leadership development, contrasted with Booker T. Washington's focus on vocational training.
Estimated Time:45s
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