Assignment 1: Different Approaches To Diversity Issues

Assignment 1 Different Approaches To Diversity Issues 1865 1925befo

Choose one of three topics related to diversity between 1865 and 1925. Write a brief paper using the Strayer Writing Standards (SWS), incorporating at least three sources from the provided list. The paper should be five paragraphs, between 500 and 800 words, double-spaced, with appropriate formatting. Include a cover page and a sources page, not counted in the word length.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Exploring Divergent Approaches to Civil Rights and Social Change in Post-Civil War America

The period immediately following the Civil War, from 1865 to 1925, was marked by intense debates over how to handle diversity, especially concerning African Americans, women, and immigrant populations. Different strategies emerged, reflecting contrasting visions of progress and equality. This essay explores two influential approaches to these issues, illustrating their virtues, problems, and long-term impacts on American society.

The first approach centers on the philosophy promoted by Booker T. Washington, exemplified by his 1895 Atlanta Compromise speech. Washington advocated for vocational education and economic self-reliance for African Americans, emphasizing accommodation, patience, and gradual progress within existing social structures. He believed that by proving their value through work and education, African Americans could earn the respect of white Americans and gradually attain civil rights. Critics argued that this strategy sacrificed political rights in the short term, and some felt it perpetuated segregation and inequality. Nonetheless, Washington's approach was pragmatic, especially given the hostile environment of the time, and it gained significant support among African Americans who prioritized economic independence.

Conversely, W. E. B. Du Bois championed a more assertive strategy through the Niagara Movement and later the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Du Bois advocated for immediate civil rights, higher education, and political activism. His emphasis on the "Talented Tenth" aimed to produce leaders who could challenge segregation laws and discriminatory practices directly. While Du Bois’s approach faced opposition from those who favored accommodation, it was instrumental in shaping early civil rights activism. His insistence on equality and protest highlighted the importance of confronting injustice head-on, contributing significantly to later legal and legislative efforts.

The strategies of Washington and Du Bois reflect broader societal debates about the pace and methods of social change. Washington’s strategy was more conciliatory, seeking progress through cooperation and vocational skills, which appealed to mainstream white Americans and policymakers. Du Bois’s confrontational stance, though initially less palatable, laid the groundwork for future activism, emphasizing the essential rights that African Americans deserved now. The contrasting approaches dispelled the misconception that there was a single way to achieve racial justice. Instead, they demonstrated the multifaceted nature of social reform, influencing subsequent movements and policies.

Similarly, the fight for women’s suffrage involved two distinct strategies. The NAWSA, led initially by figures such as Carrie Chapman Catt, adopted a state-by-state campaign, seeking incremental legal wins and emphasizing pragmatic, non-confrontational tactics. In contrast, the NWP, led by Alice Paul, favored direct action, protests, and civil disobedience, aiming to secure a federal amendment swiftly. Both organizations made significant contributions, with NAWSA’s extensive state campaigns and NWP’s militant tactics highlighting different approaches. The eventual success with the 19th Amendment demonstrated that a combination of advocacy strategies accelerated social change, while also exposing divisions within the movement about methods and priorities.

Finally, perspectives on immigration during this era reflected opposing views—one inspired by the symbolic message of the Statue of Liberty welcoming newcomers, and the other advocating for restrictive laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the National Origins Act. The "melting pot" ideology celebrated multiculturalism and inclusion, fostering a sense of national unity. Conversely, the restrictive policies aimed to preserve American cultural identity by limiting specific immigrant groups deemed undesirable or threatening. These opposing views influenced immigration policies that profoundly affected American society, shaping the demographics and social fabric of the nation for decades. Both perspectives underscored the ongoing struggle to reconcile national identity with diversity, a debate that continues today.

In conclusion, the post-Civil War era was characterized by contrasting strategies toward diversity—whether through accommodation or activism, inclusion or restriction. These approaches reflect broader societal values and tensions about progress, equality, and identity. The legacies of figures like Washington and Du Bois, and the contrasting tactics in women’s suffrage, illustrate that social change is complex and multifaceted. Understanding these historical debates provides insight into ongoing discussions about diversity, equality, and national identity in contemporary America. The history of these varied approaches reminds us that achieving social justice involves multiple strategies often working in tandem across different domains.

References

• Berwanger, D. (2002). The Weary Warrior: Walter H. White and the Fight for Racial Justice. Columbia University Press.
• Du Bois, W. E. B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A.C. McClurg & Co.
• Foner, E. (2010). The Second Reconstruction: The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Harper Perennial.
• Lewis, D. L. (1993). W. E. B. Du Bois: A Biography. Routledge.
• Lassiter, M. (2006). The Black Towns Alliance and the Fight for Racial Justice. University of North Carolina Press.
• Nash, G. (2012). First We Knew: War, Race, and the American South. University of North Carolina Press.
• Schultz, S. (2014). The Era of Progressive Reform. Westview Press.
• Strayer University. (2023). Strayer Writing Standards. Retrieved from [appropriate URL].
• U.S. Statutes at Large. (1924). Immigration Act of 1924. Government Printing Office.
• Wilson, A. (2017). The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Liveright.