Final answer:
W.E.B. Du Bois believed that the African roots of World War I were tied to issues of freedom, self-determination, and inequality. He organized a conference and advocated for the rights of African colonies, but his demands were ignored. He also emphasized the experiences of African American soldiers and their impact on their communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The African roots of World War I, according to W.E.B. Du Bois, can be understood through his perspective on the war and his efforts to achieve freedom and self-determination for people of African descent. Du Bois believed that defeating Germany in the war would not necessarily lead to freedom for African peoples, as he saw the war as a conflict between capitalist and imperialistic nations. He organized a conference during the Treaty of Versailles to demand self-determination for Germany's African colonies, but these demands were ignored.
Du Bois also highlighted the experiences of African American soldiers during the war and the significant impact their return had on their communities. He emphasized the need for democracy and equality, but white Americans desired a return to the status quo.
In addition, Du Bois played a role in the Pan-African movement, which aimed to unite African peoples and promote self-determination. He organized the first Pan-African Congress in Paris and advocated for African colonies to have a say in their own future.