The Philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois Two black leaders emerged in the tumultuous years following the Civil War - one from the North and one from the South. Both wanted equal rights for blacks but they did not agree on how to attain these changes in American society. These men were Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. They had similarities but also differences in their upbringing, education, and ideas for a path forward for black Americans at the time. Booker T. Washington was born as a slave on a Virginia plantation in the South in 1856. He earned a Liberal Arts degree from Hampton Institute. He was a teacher for a short time and later established an industrial college in Tuskegee, Alabama (Moses). He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Harvard University (McKenna). Washington gained national recognition and was even invited by Theodore Roosevelt to the White House. His advice was sought by many on racial issues and conditions (Moses). …show more content…
Washington believed that a subtle approach instead of a direct challenge would be more successful for black people in the South (McKenna). He believed that in order to better the lives of African Americans and to help them someday realize the dream of full citizenship; they must first better themselves and build up their segregated communities (Moses). Washington’s philosophy of character building and social values in the black community would eventually build trust and better relationships with the white community. He wanted blacks to have access to education and to learn skills that would bring them economic success. Through prosperity, they could demonstrate their value to society and ultimately gain their civil rights. However, racism escalated and many whites believed that black independence would be destructive to whites