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Description
This was a letter drafted by college professors of the University Commission on Southern Race Questions and it was directed to college-age men. The letter discusses a "new reconstruction," how African Americans are able to contribute to the "Great War" and that relations between African Americans and whites should be respectful.
Transcript of "A New Reconstruction" Letter
Source-Dependent Questions
- What was the main point of the University Commission on Southern Race Questions letter?
- What portions of this source inspired hope for African Americans living in the South during this time period? What portions inspired fear of the South during this time? Cite evidence to support your claim.
- The letter states, "The Negroes' contribution to the welfare of the nation has never been more clearly indicated than by his services during the Great War [World War I]. When the call to arms was sounded his country expected him to do his duty, and he did not fail." Why would the letter writers include passages such as this in the letter?
- How was the message in this source different from the message in "Why Disfranchisement is Bad" pamphlet?
Citation Information
"A New Reconstruction," University Commission on Southern Race Questions, May 1919. Courtesy of Library of Congress