The problem of the 20th century as written by WEB Du Bois in Souls of the Black People, was the “color line problem”. At the time Du Bois wrote his novel, racial segregation was institutionalized in the American system. The Soul of Blacks broadens the reader's mindset because it gives the reader a deeper understanding of the challenges that African Americans had to overcome. After the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves in 1862, Republicans in Congress passed several laws and amendments to protect the rights of blacks and prohibit racial discrimination, such as the Civil Laws of 1866 and the Civil Rights Act Civil War of 1875. Du Bois examines the mismanagement of these acts, particularly the role of the Freedmen's Bureau in Reconstruction. The Bureau's failure was due not only to Southern opposition or neglect, but also to mismanagement and courts biased "in favor of black accusers." Despite the numerous laws passed to aid freedmen during this period, the status of African Americans from Emancipation to the early 20th century did not change much. For example, the Civil Rights Acts of 1875 were passed to prohibit segregation in public facilities, but despite their intentions, African Americans were still discriminated against and would eventually be restricted and segregated in society and under the government decisions. The end of the Civil War ushered in an era of Reconstruction intended to improve the lives of African Americans. However, many stayed with their owners because they knew nothing outside of the plantations. However, others left in search of a better life, but soon encountered barricades such as white supremacists and their laws. Under the leadership of the president...... middle of paper ...... achieving this goal is very different. In his book, Du Bois primarily criticizes Booker T. Washington for promoting bad ideas to black people. Washington was one of those who suggested that whites should provide economic stability to blacks and stop advocating for civil rights or social equality. He believes that over time, blacks will become indispensable to whites if they have an economic foothold and that civil rights and social equality will then be granted to them. He urged blacks to obtain skilled jobs, or work as farmers, laborers, or servants, because he believed that economic respectability should be the most important issue for African Americans rather than civil rights and social equality . He also urged black people to accept white supremacy, discrimination and segregation in the hope that one day they would achieve equality..