24) The Movement for African American Civil Rights

Question 1

W.E.B. Du Bois

Answer 1

• During the Progressive Era, Du Bois emerged as the most influential advocate of full political, economic, and social equality for Black Americans
• Founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909
• Advocated for the intellectual development of a “talented tenth” of Black population
• Hoped that the talented tenth would become influential in social change
• Supported cooperation with White people to further Black progress
• Goal was integration, not black separatism
• Contended that economic independence would only result if political and social equality were secured

Question 2

Booker T. Washington

Answer 2

• Born a slave in VA
• Founded Tukegee Institute (black school)
• Advocated for Black economic self-help
• Advocated first for economic independence (and then political and social equality)

Question 3

Niagara Movement (1905-1909)

Answer 3

• Founded by Du Bois in 1905
• Gathered with supporters on Canadian side of Niagara Falls to form an organization for social and political change
• List of demands included an end to segregation and to discrimination in unions, the courts, and public accommodations
• Equal economic and educational opportunity
• Had little impact on legislative action
• BUT ideals led to the formation of the NAACP

Question 4

NAACP

Answer 4

• Rejected Booker T. Washington’s gradualism and separatism

- Focused on using the courts to achieve equality and justice

Question 5

Birth of a Nation (1915)

Answer 5

• Firm became controversial because its depiction of KKK activities as heroic and commendable
• Played a role in the resurgence of the KKK during the progressive era

Question 6

KKK

Answer 6

• First emerged during Radical Reconstruction (1865 - 1877)

- Favored white supremacy and immigration restriction