IndexBooker T. Washington: the advocate of accommodation and economic progressW.EB Du Bois: the advocate of civil rights and political activismContemporary RelevanceWorks Quote The post-Reconstruction era in America saw the emergence of two prominent figures, W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, who proposed divergent strategies for addressing racial issues. Du Bois championed what can be considered "radical" ideas, advocating political engagement, persistent activism, and academic empowerment as means to achieving full citizenship rights for African Americans. His three main goals were voting rights, education for African American youth, and civic equality. In contrast, Booker T. Washington's approach can be characterized as "conservative" as he urged white America to provide job opportunities and industrial-agrarian education to African Americans, with the understanding that African Americans would give up civil rights and social equality. His message emphasized economic respectability and independence over political and social equality, arguing that by demonstrating their usefulness and contributions to the nation, African Americans would eventually gain equal treatment and rights in the United States. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayAlthough Du Bois and Washington had divergent opinions, they shared common points on some aspects. Both recognized the importance of economic progress for African Americans, giving it a higher priority than universal suffrage. Both placed a strong emphasis on racial solidarity and economic cooperation, as well as self-help and moral development. Despite his disagreements with Washington, Du Bois had a deep respect for him, as evidenced by his statement: "One hesitates, therefore, to criticize a life which, begun with so little, has accomplished so much. Yet the time has come to whom one can speak in all sincerity and absolute courtesy of the errors of Mr. Washington's career as well as of his successes, without being specious or envious, and without forgetting that it is easier to do harm than good in the world." Booker T. Washington : The advocate of accommodation and economic progress Born into slavery in Virginia in 1856, Booker T. Washington played a vital role as an educator and leader for African Americans. He founded and served as principal of the Tuskegee Institute, a vocational and industrial school in Alabama. Between 1895 and 1915 he emerged as one of the most influential figures for African Americans. Washington's core belief was that African Americans should accommodate white Americans by accepting segregation and disenfranchisement, focusing on acquiring agricultural and industrial skills to achieve economic freedom. He argued that African Americans had to prove their usefulness to the nation to gain equal treatment. He called on white Americans to work to reduce racial violence and support the success of African Americans in agriculture, industry, and business. In particular, in 1901, Booker T. Washington's visit to the White House for dinner with President Teddy Roosevelt sparked national attention and scrutiny. The meeting between a former slave and the president sparked controversy and highlighted the racial tensions prevalent in America. Washington's philosophy emphasized education, employment, and individual improvement as the path to racial equality. WEB Du Bois: the defender of civil rights and political activism Born in..