APUSH Harkness Discussion Prep: Booker T. Washington vs. W.E.B.DuBois DO NOW: What was the African American experience in the Reconstruction Era?

Booker Taliaferro Washington 1856—1915 Born a Slave in Virginia Moved to West Virginia – worked as manual labor Graduated from Hampton Institute in Virginia and Wayland Seminary in DC Returned to teach at Hampton Named president of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama (1881)

William Edward Burghardt DuBois 1868—1963 Born in Massachusetts Graduated from Fisk University in Nashville Earned a Ph.D. @Harvard – 1st African American Teaches at Wilberforce University, UPenn and Atlanta University Leader of Niagara Movement Co-Founder of the NAACP WEB- humble background. Raised by mom who is a domestic servant. Born in Western Mass. His curiosity and intelligence grab principals attention who helps him get to Fisk. Taught at variety of institutions – longest is Atlanta. Became an opponent of Booker T. And result of that is the founding of the Niagra Mvmnt. /NAACP

Booker T. Washington: Speech to the Cotton States and International Exposition Atlanta, September 1895 “The Atlanta Compromise” Catapulted him into the national spotlight as the most prominent African American spokesperson (Frederick Douglas died in 1894) Delivered to audience of northern whites, southern whites, and African Americans Proposed a framework for the adjustment of race relations in the United States: African Americans would not participate in the political life of the South, vote, or otherwise pursue or claim equal rights under the law and would accede to segregation; in exchange, whites would allow African Americans, starting at the bottom, to pursue economic advancement and would shield them from violence. Washington’s program for racial uplift. Incorporated in Up from Slavery (1901) – autobiography -Booker T. Washington’s Seminole piece of work – Atlanta Compromise -talk that gave him national attention w/ major leader of black America is dead and people are looking for a new leader – this is what does the trick -adjusts race relations -African Americans will withdraw from political life, won’t participate, won’t fight in courts for more rights – give in to segregation and in exchange whites help African Americans prosper materially and prevent KKK from attacking them.

W.E.B. DuBois’ Essay “Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others” The Souls of Black Folk, 1903 Originally, was a review of Up from Slavery but was later revised to be part of his book, “The Souls of Black Folk” Against Washington’s program of racial accommodation Criticizes Washington for his narrow focus on accumulating material wealth and renouncing the right to vote and participate in civil and political life. -DuBois was first a moderate supporter of Washington but then realized its not the way to go and in this article he hits his opening shot against Washington.

Six Areas of Disagreement: Speech to the Cotton States and International Exposition Emancipation and Reconstruction Education Capitalism Political Rights Relations with whites Political Leadership -

Booker T. and W.E.B. Dudley Randall "It seems to me," said Booker T., "It shows a mighty lot of cheek To study chemistry and Greek When Mister Charlie needs a hand To hoe the cotton on his land, And when Miss Ann looks for a cook, Why stick your nose inside a book?" "I don't agree," said W.E.B. "If I should have the drive to seek Knowledge of chemistry or Greek, I'll do it. Charles and Miss can look Another place for hand or cook, Some men rejoice in skill of hand, And some in cultivating land, But there are others who maintain The right to cultivate the brain." "It seems to me," said Booker T., "That all you folks have missed the boat Who shout about the right to vote, And spend vain days and sleepless nights In uproar over civil rights. Just keep your mouths shut, do not grouse, But work, and save, and buy a house." "I don't agree," said W.E.B. "For what can property avail If dignity and justice fail? Unless you help to make the laws, They'll steal your house with trumped-up clause. A rope's as tight, a fire as hot, No matter how much cash you've got. Speak soft, and try your little plan, But as for me, I'll be a man." "It seems to me," said Booker T.-- "I don't agree," Said W.E.B.