W. E. B. Du Bois · Politics

The Great Debate: Du Bois vs. Washington

Against the most powerful Black leader of his age, Du Bois argued that accepting second-class citizenship in exchange for economic crumbs was a fatal bargain - and that the race needed full rights, higher education, and its ‘Talented Tenth.’

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that Du Bois broke with Washington over whether Black Americans should accept disfranchisement and segregation in exchange for economic progress. In your own words, lay out both positions and explain why Du Bois thought Washington’s bargain was self-defeating.

Leads to John Stuart Mill.

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