Washington vs. DuBois Group 4 by Course Materials

Booker T. Washington

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W.E.B. DuBois

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3) WHAT DO THEY AGREE AND DISAGREE ON?

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Even people with similar goals don't always see the same path to getting there. Post at least one point they agree on OR one point they disagree on and evidence to support it.

4) WHO IS RIGHT?

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For their time, which do you think makes a better argument about how to advanc black civil rights in this era in American history? Why? Be sure to tie your opinion to evidence.

1) PROGRESSIVE?

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Based on the definition of Progressivism explained in Lecture I and American Yawp, offer at least one piece of evidence from 21-5 "The Atlanta Exposition" that shows how Washington is or isn't part of the Progressive movement

2) PROGRESSIVE?

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Based on the definition of Progressivism explained in Lecture I and American Yawp, offer at least one piece of evidence from 21-6 "Booker T. Washington & Others"
that shows how DuBois is or isn't part of the Progressive movement

INSTRUCTIONS

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Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois were contemporary activists in the Progressive Era who were both interested in advancing the lives of black Americans.

After watching this Unit's lecture and reading Chapter 20 Sections I, II & VI, use documents 21-5 and 21-6 in Reading the American Past to add a post next to ALL FOUR items below.

Put your name in the header of each of your posts.

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Booker T. Washington - Logan Herrick

2026-02-04 20:22:24 UTC

In lecture 1, we learn that progressivism was a reform movement that was targeted to improve society by social uplift and education. I believe Washington to be a part of this movement as he pushed for gradual reformation through education, economic advancement, and social cooperation. In the "Atlanta Exposition Address," Washington argues black Americans should "cast down your bucket where you are," meaning they should focus on building up new skills, gaining an education, and improving their economic position. This is why I think Washington was a part of the progressive movement.

Brooker T. Washington - Kaylee Owens

2026-02-05 13:59:37 UTC

Based on the definition of Progressivism from the lecture and American Yawp, Booker T. Washington can be considered part of the Progressive movement because he believed in improving society through practical reforms like education and economic growth. In Document 21-5, “The Atlanta Exposition Address,” Washington argues that Black Americans should focus on education, learning job skills, and becoming independent as a way to move forward. This reflects a Progressive belief that social problems could be solved through hard work, training, and gradual improvement rather than immediate political change. For example, Washington emphasizes that gaining skills and proving economic value would help Black Americans earn respect and stability over time. This shows how he supported progress through realistic, step-by-step reform, which fits Progressive ideas. However, his acceptance of segregation and lack of focus on voting rights also shows the limits of his Progressivism.

W.E.B DuBois - Kaylee Owens

2026-02-05 14:10:33 UTC

Based on the definition of Progressivism from the lecture and American Yawp, W.E.B. DuBois is clearly part of the Progressive movement because he believed in direct reform and equal rights. In Document 21-6, “Booker T. Washington & Others,” DuBois criticizes Washington for accepting segregation and the loss of voting rights, arguing that Black Americans should demand full political and civil equality. He strongly supports higher education and believes educated Black leaders should challenge injustice rather than wait for gradual change. This idea fits Progressive beliefs that education and knowledge could be used to fix social problems. DuBois also emphasizes the importance of voting rights, which aligns with Progressive goals of expanding democracy. Overall, his push for immediate action and equal rights shows that he fits well within the Progressive movement.

What do they agree/disagree on - Kaylee Owens

2026-02-05 14:12:34 UTC

Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois agreed that racism was a serious problem and that Black Americans deserved better opportunities in American society. They also both believed that education was important for helping Black Americans advance. However, they disagreed strongly on the best way to achieve progress. Washington believed in focusing on industrial education, hard work, and economic success, even if it meant accepting segregation and limited rights for the time being. DuBois rejected this idea and argued that Black Americans should demand full civil and political rights immediately. He believed higher education and political activism were necessary to challenge inequality. Overall, Washington supported gradual change, while DuBois pushed for direct and immediate reform.

Who is right? - Kaylee Owens

2026-02-05 14:14:37 UTC

W.E.B. DuBois is more right because real progress could not happen without full civil and political rights for Black Americans. While Booker T. Washington’s focus on jobs and economic stability helped in the short term, it did not directly challenge segregation or racism. DuBois understood that accepting inequality would only allow it to continue. His insistence on voting rights, equal treatment under the law, and higher education pushed America to confront its failures. These ideas later influenced the Civil Rights Movement and led to lasting change. Because of this, DuBois’s approach was more effective in achieving true equality.

W.E.B. DuBois - Logan Herrick

2026-02-05 18:58:17 UTC

Based on the definition of progressivism from lecture 1, I believe it to be clear that DuBois was a part of the movement. DuBois pushed for reform in society, along with fighting for political rights and pushing for a better education system. In document 21-6 DuBois can be seen criticizing Washington's program, saying he "practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the Negro race," showing that he is pushing for more civil rights and will not accept a slow accommodation, but in turn wants action as soon as possible.

What they agree on - Logan Herrick

2026-02-05 19:11:42 UTC

Although they both used different strategies to achieve racial equality, they shared the belief that education and self-improvement were key to lifting the black community. In the "Atlanta Exposition Address," Washington encourages African Americans to "dignify and glorify common labor," which shows his belief that skill-building will help lead to racial advancement. DuBois shows related beliefs in document 21-6 where he argues for development of a "Talented Tenth" that would receive a higher education and help lead African Americans towards greater opportunities. Overall, they both agreed that progress would require education and development.

Who is right - Logan Herrick

2026-02-05 20:01:59 UTC

I believe that although they both agree, DuBois has the stronger approach for civil rights. He knew it was necessary to protect African Americans in a time of growing violence and discrimination. He makes a point against Washington in document 21-6 when Washington encouraged black people to "give up political power". Instead, DuBois called for higher education and organized efforts for voting rights and legal equality.

Booker T. Washington - Madison Woods

2026-02-05 23:57:31 UTC

Based on the definition of Progressivism, the content in the American Yawp, and the content of "The Atlanta Exposition Address", Booker T. Washington can be regarded a part of the Progressive movement. One specific piece of evidence from his address is when he says "Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to freedom we may overlook the fact that the masses of us are to live by the productions of our hands. ... No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem," supporting the progressive idea that America's problems like poverty were rooted in a lack of education and that they could be solved through training and productivity. Many people that were part of the Progressive movement believed that having more educated people would make a better overall society. Washington supports this when he says they will have to live by the productions of their hands. He's saying they have to put in the effort to get an education and to get a good job in order to become better members of society. He also backs the progressive idea that laborers were just as important as more elite people when he says tilling a field is just as dignifying as writing a poem. While he had his limits and was not as progressive as others during this time period, Booker T. Washington could certainly be considered a part of the Progressive movement.

Booker T. Washington - Kennedy Ayres

2026-02-06 00:12:41 UTC

I believe Booker T. Washington was considered progressive because he focused on improving the lives of African Americans through education and economic self-sufficiency. As explained in The American Yawp and the lecture, Washington believed training and hard work would help Black Americans gain respect and stability in a society dominated by Jim Crow laws. However, his willingness to accept segregation and limited political rights made his progressivism cautious and conservative.

W.E.B. DuBois - Kennedy Ayres

2026-02-06 00:15:54 UTC

I believe W.E.B. DuBois was progressive because he openly challenged racial inequality and demanded immediate civil and political rights for African Americans. The American Yawp and the lecture explain that DuBois believed higher education, political activism, and protest were necessary for true equality. He rejected gradualism and helped organize movements that directly confronted segregation and discrimination.

Agree or Disagree - Kennedy Ayres

2026-02-06 00:19:06 UTC

Both Washington and DuBois wanted African Americans to achieve equality and better opportunities, but they strongly disagreed on how to reach that goal. Washington believed economic progress should come first, even if it meant accepting segregation temporarily. DuBois disagreed, arguing that without voting rights, equal laws, and social justice, economic progress alone would not lead to real freedom.

W. E. B. DuBois - Madison Woods

2026-02-06 00:32:47 UTC

Based on the definition of Progressivism, the content of the American Yawp, and the content of "Booker T. Washington and Others", W. E. B. DuBois can be regarded as a part of the Progressive movement. People in the Progressive movement sought to strengthen, expand, and protect democracy. One specific piece of evidence from the document is when DuBois says, "The other class of Negros who cannot agree with Mr. Washington has hitherto said little aloud... Such men feel in conscience bound to ask of this 1. The right to vote 2. Civic equality 3. The education of youth according to ability," further pushing the idea of strengthening democracy. One can infer that DuBois also wants to ask of these things, as he himself doesn't fully agree with Washington. So, you can also take from this that DuBois feels strongly aligned with the key idea of the Progressive movement, the importance of democracy.

Who is Right? - Kennedy Ayres

2026-02-06 00:38:56 UTC

DuBois makes the stronger argument for his time because his approach directly addressed the injustice of segregation and discrimination described in Chapters 19 and 20. While Washington’s strategy may have seemed practical in a hostile society, it allowed inequality to continue. DuBois’s insistence on immediate rights and activism helped lay the foundation for later civil rights movements, making his argument more impactful in the long run.

What They Agree/Disagree On - Madison Woods

2026-02-06 00:44:09 UTC

While the two of them agreed on many key factors like education, they disagreed when it came to strategy. Washington believed that African Americans should cooperate with the and be cautious around southern white elites, including accepting segregation as a temporary set back, as well as that the progress should be gradual. DuBois, on the other hand, believed that African Americans should demand their civil rights, arguing that Washington's plan was dangerous since it was so gradual. Overall, they had similar ideas, but their disagreement was rooted in the way they wanted to achieve these goals.

Who is Right - Madison Woods

2026-02-06 00:54:44 UTC

Overall, after studying the beliefs and goals of both Washington and DuBois, it is clear that DuBois has the stronger and overall more correct argument when it comes to advancing African American civil rights in this era. His approach is much quicker than Washington's, which makes it more correct, as in this era it was important to get things done fast and efficiently. He also recognizes that not one thing can bring civil rights, several things must occur, and he lays these ideas out as well. Overall, DuBois had a stronger and more urgent point, making his argument the more correct one.