Letter from W.E.B. Du Bois to U.S. Secretary of War Newton Baker Praising Ft. Des Moines, October, 17, 1917

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Courtesy of UMass Amherst Libraries, Du Bois, W.E.B. "Letter from W.E.B. Du Bois to Secretary of War," 17 October 1917

Description

This letter is from W.E.B. Du Bois, an African-American sociologist, historian and civil rights activist. In the letter, Du Bois thanks the then-U.S. Secretary of War Newton Baker for his treatment of the cadets at Ft. Des Moines and the way he has carried out his plans concerning "colored soldiers."

Transcript of W.E.B. Du Bois Letter to U.S. Secretary of War Newton Baker

Source-Dependent Questions

• W.E.B. Du Bois was one of the best known spokesperson and African-American activists during the first half of the 20th century. He co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1909. With that knowledge, what is the main purpose of this letter from Du Bois to Baker?
• Given the context of the time period, why might Du Bois think it is important to thank Baker for the treatment of African Americans? Provide text evidence to support your answer.

Citation Information 

Du Bois, W.E.B. "Letter from W.E.B. Du Bois to Secretary of War," 17 October 1917. Courtesy of UMass Amherst Libraries, permission of use granted by the David Graham Du Bois Trust