1. What do you think DuBois is referring to when he mentions a "square deal"?

2. Does DuBois think African Americans will be able to achieve a "square deal"? Why/Why not?

3. What were some of the social inequalities African Americans were experiencing at this time, especially in the South?

Question 1

DuBois refers to the Square Deal, a domestic policy that had been implemented by President Roosevelt in 1910, through which the goverment aimed to give everyone equal chances to succeed and to achieve a fair income distribution. The deal desgined government intervention in economy with the objectives: preserving natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection

Question 2

Actually, DuBois uses the reference to the Square Deal because he wants to exemplify how African Americans are excluded from those intentions of achieving fair income redistribution. He provided arguments to support these claims based on the discrimination that African Americans suffered in terms of education and employment, which significantly narrowed their opportunities of success. Therefore, they did not enjoy equal opportunities as the Square Deal intended.

Questions 3

DuBois stated that black people in the Sourthern states could simply be submitted to the white rulers that would provide basic education and economic opportunities to them under the Jim Crow segregation framework. He defended their right to have access to political representation and equal opportunities in their access to education and employment.

For the "square deal" part, i think he means that he doesn't care for 'intermingling' but for not being treated horribly. What's the use of being mixed together but still treated badly?