W.E.B. DuBois: Returning Soldiers

This work was written by W.E.B. DuBois in May 1919, following World War I.
DuBois calls upon returning soldiers to continue advocating for democracy within the United States.

Tens of thousands of black men were drafted into World War I.
The war was fought for various reasons:
- For "bleeding France" and its ideals, which represent humanity.
- Against the threat of German racial arrogance.
- For America and its highest ideals with the hope of a better future.
- But also against the dominant southern oligarchy and its representation in Washington, D.C.

Contradictions of Patriotism:
- DuBois expresses discontent with the duality of fighting for a country that simultaneously engages in brutality such as lynching and oppression against black citizens.
- The soldiers' return represents a transition from the "slavery of uniform" to the freedom of civilian life.

Lynching:
- Described as a form of barbarism that has persisted throughout history.
- Statistically, two black men have been lynched each week for the past fifty years, continuing even during the war.
Disfranchisement:
- Defined as "the deliberate theft and robbery of the only protection of poor against rich and black against white".
- DuBois argues that a land that disfranchises its citizens cannot honestly call itself a democracy.
Ignorance and Education:
- The systematic failure of the nation to educate black people, supported by a dominant minority that desires to keep black individuals in servile positions.
- The hypocrisy of claiming that black individuals threaten societal degeneration while refusing them education.
Economic Exploitation:
- Describes various forms of economic oppression:
  - Cheating black individuals out of land and labor.
  - Confiscation of savings and reduction of wages.
  - Taxation without representation, all leading to sustained poverty.
Insults and Defamation:
- A nationwide campaign of propaganda that devalues black individuals and mandates their acknowledgment of inferiority to white people.
- Any challenge to this narrative is viewed as treason.

DuBois passionately insists that this is the reality to which the Soldiers of Democracy return, and emphasizes the need for a continued struggle at home post-war.
He affirms that the proud fight for democracy must extend into battles against systemic injustices in America.
Asserts it would be cowardly to not engage in active resistance against the injustices faced by black individuals.

The piece concludes with a strong statement of resolve: "$[We ext{return fighting.}]$" highlighting a commitment to ongoing struggle for rights and justice.