W.E.B. Du Bois

Question 1

• They see themselves as both Americans and as
  African Americans.
• AKA Double Consciousness

Answer 1

1. Blacks see themselves both through their own identity
   and through the gaze of the dominant white society
   THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK

Question 2

• Blacks can see and understand the world beyond the veil,
  but they are excluded from it.
• Whites are unable or unwilling to see beyond the Veil to truly
  understand the lives and struggles of blacks.

Answer 2

2. The “Veil” symbolizes the racial divide in America; the literal
   and symbolic barrier between blacks and whites.
   THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK

Question 3

The Freedmen’s Bureau was established in 1865, which built
schools and hospitals, negotiated labor contracts, and offered
other benefits.
* Was ultimately a failure and disbanded in 1870s
* Was extremely underfunded—only had 900 agents at its
zenith.
* Opposition from white southerners and lacked protection
from President Johnson and the federal government.

Answer 3

Historical Context of the Reconstruction Era:

Question 4

• Was a prominent leader in the black community.
• Founded the Tuskegee institute, which
  emphasized vocational and industrial education.
• Called for black people to accept segregation and
  focus on self-improvement through hard work and
  economic success.

Answer 4

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

Question 5

An agreement that blacks would work and submit to white
political rule, while whites guaranteed that blacks would
receive basic education and due process in law.
* Ignored demands on equality, integration, or justice.
* Blacks were free, but now exposed to capitalist exploitation.

Answer 5

The Atlanta Compromise (1895)
THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK

Question 6

• “Mr. Washington represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment
  and submission; but adjustment at such a peculiar time as to make his
  programme unique. This is an age of unusual economic development, and
  Mr. Washington’s programme naturally takes an economic cast, becoming a
  gospel of Work and Money to such an extent as apparently almost
  completely to overshadow the higher aims of life…Mr. Washington’s
  programme practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the Negro races.”

Answer 6

3. Dubois was heavily critical of Booker T. Washington
   THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK

Question 7

• The success of European civilization is not because Europeans are
  inherently superior but because they had certain advantages and
  opportunities.

Answer 7

1. Whiteness is a recent historical invention, yet white people believe
   they are inherently superior.
   THE SOULS OF WHITE FOLK

Question 8

DuBois critiques
how whites justify their domination as a moral duty, while
it was driven by exploitation and economic interests. (See
White Man’s Burden)

Answer 8

2 . White Supremacy and Colonialism:
THE SOULS OF WHITE FOLK

Question 9

• White Christians send missionaries to Africa while simultaneously
  exporting harmful products like alcohol.
• Crimes committed by white individuals are often overlooked or
  forgiven.
• Colonizers were often brutal, engaging in atrocities like slavery,
  resource extraction, and cultural destruction.
• Foolish world wars, which killed millions…

Answer 9

3. Du Bois is heavily critical of the moral superiority of white society.
   THE SOULS OF WHITE FOLK