State Historical Society of Iowa

"Why Disfranchisement is Bad," 1904

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, Grimké, Archibald H., "Why Disfranchisement is Bad," 1904

Description

This pamphlet for African Americans was published in 1904, and its author, Archibald Henry Grimke, discusses the disfranchisement of African Americans in the South. He describes that, ultimately, the suppression of African Americans was bad for everyone involved.

Full Transcript of "Why Disfranchisement is Bad"

Transcribed Excerpt from "Why Disfranchisement is Bad"

Source Dependent Questions

  • Use your own words to explain the reasons why, according to Archibald H. Grimke in paragraph 1, African Americans would refuse to accept a state of disenfranchisement.
  • Select the most powerful words and/or phrases Grimke used to depict the condition of the relationship between African Americans and Whites.
  • Use Grimke's idea of the "underworld" to explain how race relations would further deteriorate in the South if the disenfranchisement of African Americans were to continue.
  • Who do you believe Grimke most held responsible for the state of the South in 1904? Use evidence from the source to support your claim.

Citation Information

Grimké, Archibald H., "Why Disfranchisement is Bad," 1904. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress