22. World War I: The Progressive Crusade at Home and Abroad, 1914

Quiz for Making Historical Arguments: What Did African Americans Want from World War I, and What Did They Get?

Choose the best answer to each question. Click the “submit” button for each question to turn in your work.

1. Why were some black leaders excited about the possibility of black military service during World War I?

Blacks could make more money in the military.

The military treated blacks and whites equally, unlike the rest of society.

Blacks could use their military service to demonstrate their patriotism.

Serving in the military would allow more blacks to go to college.

2. Which of the following correctly describes W. E. B. Du Bois’s advice to blacks during the war?

Fight immediately to desegregate the United States

Refuse to serve in the military until blacks had full equality

Support the Germans to punish the United States

Put other concerns aside and focus solely on the war effort

3. How were black soldiers treated when they joined the military?

They faced rigid racial segregation and bad working and living conditions.

They were treated fairly by most officers.

They soon formed a strong camaraderie with their fellow enlisted men, white and black.

They were treated well by Americans but not by French and British soldiers.

4. What role did black soldiers play in the battles in France?

They fought valiantly and received many medals.

They were only allowed to serve far behind the front lines.

Many defected to join the Germans.

They did not fight well because they had not received adequate training.

5. How were black soldiers treated upon their return from the war?

They were able to push for more equality.

They were the targets of race riots in many cities.

They were rewarded with better-paying jobs.

They were allowed to stay in the military and become officers.