Political Quotes

W.E.B. Du Bois: The nation had at last come to the parting of the ways, one of which led to a free-labor system, the other to a slave…

On the record
The nation had at last come to the parting of the ways, one of which led to a free-labor system, the other to a slave system fed by the slave-trade.
Said by
W.E.B. Du Bois

Editor's note · Context

Du Bois reflects on the critical choices facing the nation regarding labor systems during a pivotal moment in history.

Share

More from W.E.B. Du Bois

Jan 1, 1903

Three things characterized this religion of the slave,—the Preacher, the Music, and the Frenzy.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

A million black men started with renewed zeal to vote themselves into the kingdom.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

Away back in the days of bondage they thought to see in one divine event the end of all doubt and disappointment; few men ever worshipped Freedom with half such unquestioning faith as did the American Negro for two centuries.

gutenberg.org