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Similarities Between Booker T. Washington And W. E. B. Dubois

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In the context of these responses to white supremacy, the relevant issue of race relations was also hotly debated within the black community. These different perspectives were exemplified by Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. In his Atlanta Compromise in 1895, Washington stated that blacks ought to accept disenfranchisement and social inequality for the opportunities of economic progress. He advocated “common labor” rather than agitating for social equality. Succinctly and to the point, he asserted, “the opportunity to earn a dollar in a factory just now is worth infinitely more than the opportunity to spend it in an opera-house.” Du Bois responded powerfully. Criticizing Washington’s conciliatory stance, Du Bois refused to accept the injustices he saw against the black community. He advocated for civil rights, political power and social equality. Led by a black elite, he believed the black community could achieve these goals with higher education. The various responses and vibrant debate in the black community against white supremacy illustrated that blacks were not simple victims of …show more content…

They adopted their most popular demand, the free coinage of silver, and nominated William Jennings Bryan, a former Populist, in the election of 1896. Their efforts succeeded and the Populist Party eventually lost relevance. While populism ultimately died out, it had a lasting impact. Many of its provisions and calls for reform were carried into the early 20th century by the Progressive movement. Even more significant, many of their demands were met – a graduated income tax was established, protective tariffs were lowered, and for a short time during World War I, railroads were even placed under government ownership. While fruitless during its existence, the Populist Party’s successful legacy showed that the economic concerns of the farmers were real and

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