Black Reconstruction in America : An Essay Toward a History of the Part Which Black Folk Played in the Attempt to Reconstruct Democracy in America, 1860-1880

Abstract

After four centuries of bondage, nineteenth century marked long-awaited release of millions of black slaves. Subsequently, these former slaves attempted to reconstruct basis of American democracy. W. E. B. Du Bois, one of greatest intellectual leaders in United States history, evaluates twenty years of fateful history that followed Civil War, with special reference to efforts and experiences of African Americans.Du Bois's words best indicate broader parameters of his work: the attitude of any person toward this book will be distinctly influenced by his theories of Negro race. If he believes that Negro in America and in general is an average and ordinary human being, who under given environment develops like other human beings, then he will read this story and judge it by facts adduced.The plight of white working class throughout world is directly traceable to American slavery, on which modern commerce and industry was founded, Du Bois argues. Moreover, resulting color caste was adopted, forwarded, and approved by white labor, and resulted in subordination of colored labor throughout world. As a result, majority of world's laborers became part of a system of industry that destroyed democracy and led to World War I and Great Depression. This book tells that story.