in 1903, W.E.B. DuBois famously remarked that “the problem of the twentieth century is
the problem of the color-line—the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa,
in America and the islands of the sea.” Given what you know about the history of the United States
since the Civil War, write an essay that explains why DuBois reached this conclusion, and whether or
not you think his assessment is accurate.
Focus on Events from the Civil up until 1903
The best essays will:
• Have a clear argument
• Support that argument with evidence from lectures AND readings
• Consider a range of course material (These questions are designed to be open-ended.)
• Consider change over time (that’s what history is!)
• Consider why other possible arguments are less persuasive than yours