Final answer:
During WWI, W.E.B. Du Bois initially supported the war effort, but later became disillusioned and advocated for Black Americans to fight for true democracy and equality both home and abroad. He organized efforts for the self-determination of African colonies and worked through the NAACP for civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
W.E.B. Du Bois initially urged Black Americans to support America's war effort in World War I, declaring that they should "close ranks" in 1917. However, his sentiments evolved, and by the end of the war, Du Bois publicly expressed disillusionment with the idea that the war was being fought for the freedom of all people. In his role as editor of The Crisis, Du Bois highlighted the stark contradiction between the promises of democracy and freedom overseas and the racist practices at home. After World War I, he emphasized the resolve of Black Americans returning from the war with the powerful declaration, "We return fighting! Make way for Democracy!" His words suggested that Black Americans would continue to fight for democracy and equality within the United States. Du Bois also played a key role in advocating for the rights of African peoples on an international stage, organizing a conference that demanded self-determination for Germany's African colonies during the peace talks at Versailles. This action paralleled his domestic advocacy for civil rights through the NAACP and other means.