US History: Washington vs Du Bois (Accommodation vs Activism)

Key Concepts

  • Washington (Accommodation): government cannot legislate equality; education, hard work, and job skills will raise African Americans; education should focus on practical job skills; patience in progress.
  • Du Bois (Activism): accommodation would reinforce segregation; segregation ends only if African Americans take action; The Talented Tenth as leaders; classical education; activism helps shape the mid-20th century civil rights movement.
  • Core contrast: gradual, skilled-based advancement (Washington) vs immediate civil rights activism and legal challenges (Du Bois).
  • Movements/Networks: Niagara Movement; NAACP (advocacy through litigation and activism) referenced with Du Bois.
  • Assessment prompts (typical contrasts):
    • Active fight for rights despite danger → Du Bois
    • Hard work leads to eventual recognition → Washington
    • Government cannot legislate social equality → Washington
    • Conceding to segregation increases discrimination → Du Bois

Core Beliefs: Washington

  • Government cannot legislate equality.
  • Education, hard work, and job skills raise Black Americans.
  • Education should focus on practical skills for employment.
  • Patience and gradual progress (Accommodation).
  • Criticized by Du Bois for not pushing civil rights.

Core Beliefs: Du Bois

  • Accommodation reinforces segregation; action is required.
  • Segregation ends when African Americans mobilize and fight for rights.
  • The Talented Tenth lead the movement (leaders should receive classical education).
  • Emphasis on higher education and civil rights activism.
  • Activism helps shape the civil rights movement of the 1950s–1960s.

Key Terms

  • Accommodation
  • Patience
  • Education + hard work + job skills
  • Education focused on job skills
  • Equality
  • Activism
  • Niagara Movement
  • NAACP
  • The Talented Tenth
  • Classical education

Quick Contrast Snapshot

  • Active resistance and civil rights activism → Du Bois
  • Gradual, work-based advancement → Washington

Historical Figures & Examples

  • Homer Plessy staged his arrest to challenge segregation laws → Du Bois (activism approach)
  • Jackie Robinson’s success spurred more opportunities for Black players → commonly associated with Washington’s merit-based progression (education/work leading to opportunity), as per course prompts

Practice Q&A (Recall)

  • Q: Homer Plessy staged his arrest to challenge segregation laws. Which leader advocated this approach? A: W. E. B. Du Bois
  • Q: Jackie Robinson’s success leading to more Black players in MLB. Which leader believed this was the best way to achieve equality? A: Booker T. Washington