History 104 Midterm Primary Source Notes

This set of flashcards covers key figures, themes, and ideas from historical speeches and writings spanning from Reconstruction to the Progressive Era.

Frederick Douglass

A former slave and abolitionist who argued that the Civil War was fought for a moral purpose to end slavery.

Key Themes of Douglass's Argument

Justice, freedom, racial equality, and moral duty of the nation.

Robert G. Ingersoll

A speaker who celebrated liberty and condemned the oppression of Black Americans during the Centennial celebrations.

Main Idea of Ingersoll’s Speech

True patriotism requires equality and justice for everyone, regardless of race.

Booker T. Washington

A leader who encouraged Black Americans to focus on education and economic progress over immediate political rights.

Key Themes in Washington's Address

Self-help, patience, economic independence, and racial cooperation.

Quote from Washington’s Address

“In all things that are purely social we can be separate like fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.”

W.E.B. Du Bois

An African American leader who criticized Washington’s submissive approach and called for activism and higher education.

Main Idea of Du Bois's Critique

The way for people to gain power is not by silence, but by truth and protest.

Eugene V. Debs

A labor leader who became a socialist after witnessing the exploitation of workers by corporations.

Key Themes from Debs’s writing

Worker solidarity, anti-capitalism, and social justice.

Theodore Roosevelt

Former president who advocated for stronger government regulation of big business and social justice.

Main Idea of Roosevelt's New Nationalism

Government should protect workers and ensure fairness for all citizens.

Quote from Roosevelt’s Speech

“The welfare of the people should come before property or profit.”

Woodrow Wilson

A presidential candidate who supported breaking up monopolies to restore competition.

Main Idea of Wilson's New Freedom

Opposed excessive government control while advocating for economic fairness.

Quote from Wilson’s Speech

“America was not meant to be a place where men are crushed by great combinations of power.”