205k views
1 vote
Explain the most wonderful peace battle of the 19th century and why Dubois is mad at the people I his time who call it a mistake

User Noe
by
7.2k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The 19th century was seen as a period of relative peace in Europe, which W. E. B. Du Bois criticized for overlooking the struggles of colonized and disenfranchised peoples. Du Bois highlighted the irony in fighting for democracy abroad while failing to address domestic issues such as racism and colonialism. Conflicts like the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise revealed the deep divisions and external tensions faced by the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'most wonderful peace battle of the 19th century' appears to be a typographical error, but it seems to reference the relatively peaceful period in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars and leading up to World War I. This era is known for the balance of power established among European nations to maintain peace and prevent major conflict, despite occasional wars such as the Crimean War and the Franco-Prussian War. The so-called 'peace' was imperfect and did not apply equally to all regions, as Southern Europe and the Middle East saw considerable struggle. Moreover, the peace disregarded the colonized and disenfranchised populations worldwide.

W. E. B. Du Bois was critical of the time's prevailing attitude because it ignored the injustices and struggles faced by African and African American communities. Du Bois, renowned for his leadership in the civil rights movement, expressed disillusionment at the hypocrisy demonstrated by the U.S. and other nations post-World War I. Despite fighting for democracy abroad, these nations failed to address racism and colonialism, denying self-determination to former colonies and ignoring the rights of minorities and women at home. When Dubois spoke of an 'ignoble peace', he referred to the shameful disregard of these issues at America's doorstep.

The events leading to and consequences of the War of 1812 and the Missouri Compromise demonstrate other instances where America faced internal conflicts and external tensions. Neither Madison nor Jefferson found a satisfactory solution to avoid war with Britain, leading to conflicts and compromises that only surfaced underlying tensions.

User Xiaoke
by
7.3k points