Assignment task: Du Bois writes about how history can be used in two opposing ways. What are these two different uses of history that Du Bois explains?
Read the following passage from W.E.B. Du Bois's final chapter of his 1935 book, Black Reconstruction "The Propaganda of History."
"If history is going to be scientific, if the record of human action is going to be set down with that accuracy and faithful ness of detail which will allow its use as a measuring rod and guide post for the future of nations, there must be set some standards of ethics in research and interpretation.
If, on the other hand, we are going to use history for our pleasure and amusement, for inflating our national ego, and giving us a false but pleasurable sense of accomplishment, then we must give up the idea of history either as a science or as an art using the results of science, and admit frankly that we are using a version of historic fact in order to influence and educate the new generation along the way we wish.
It is propaganda like this that has led men in the past to insist that history is "lies agreed upon"; and to point out the danger in such misinformation. It is indeed extremely doubtful if any permanent benefit comes to the world through such action. Nations reel and stagger on their way; they make hideous mistakes; they commit frightful wrongs; they do great and beautiful things. And shall we not best guide humanity by telling the truth about all this, so far as the truth is ascertainable?"- W.E.B. Du Bois