Last updated: June 3, 2026
Lesson Plan
Clash of the Titans
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A portrait of W.E.B. Du Bois on the left and Booker T. Washington on the right.
Public domain
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- State Standards:
- • Grade 9: English – RI.1, RI.3, C.1, Economics and Personal Finance – EPF.2, EPF.4.
• Grade 10: English – RI.1, RI.3, C.1, World History – WHII.7.
• Grade 11: English – RI.1, RI.3, C.1, Virginia and US History – VUS.8, VUS.9, VUS.10. - Additional Standards:
- • Grade 12: English – RI.1, RI.3, C.1, Virginia and US Government – Skills GOVT, GOVT.2, GOVT.5, GOVT.6, GOVT.10, GOVT.11, GOVT.13.
- Thinking Skills:
- Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Creating: Bring together parts (elements, compounds) of knowledge to form a whole and build relationships for NEW situations. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
What were the philosophical differences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois?
Objective
• Read and analyze primary sources by Washington and Du Bois, compare their differing reasoning and perspectives, and identify how their backgrounds influenced their lives.
• Examine the effects of industrialization, public education, sharecropping, segregation, and racial violence on Black Americans.
• Participate in collaborative discussions to evaluate the beliefs of Washington and Du Bois within historical context.
Background
The activities included in this packet enable students to investigate, research, and participate in meaningful learning experiences. They will build a strong foundation in communication skills, research techniques, computer skills, writing, and thinking in terms of multiple points of view. At Booker T. Washington National Monument, students can learn about the cultural diversity that makes up Franklin County, Virginia. It is the hope of Booker T. Washington National Monument's educational staff that by learning about the past and the life of Booker T. Washington that we can broaden our understanding of the context of race in American society.
Preparation
Read contents of the lesson plan and packet to obtain writings and websites needed for activities.
Materials
Lesson Hook/Preview
What were the philosophical diffences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois?
Procedure
PRE-VISIT ACTIVITIES
1. Read Obituaries for both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois. Students will compare and contrast the obituaries of these two men and use the information to understand their accomplishments.
2. Niagara Movement research Students will research the Niagara Movement and answer corresponding questions prior to reading the speeches of Booker T Washington and WEB Dubois.
3.Speech Analysis Students will analyze the "Atlanta Address" and “the Harper’s Ferry” speeches and fill out a speech analysis form.
VISIT ACTIVITIES
4. Scavenger Hunt Students will complete a scavenger hunt in the permanent exhibit in the Visitor’s Center at Booker T. Washington National Monument.
POST VISIT ACTIVITIES
5. Venn Diagram Students will create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois
6. Debate Students will analyze the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois and argue which benefited African Americans more.