# How does Darkwater develop the theme of Democracy and the Franchise?

> Darkwater by W. E. B. Du Bois

## Answer

Darkwater by W. E. B. Du Bois develops Democracy and the Franchise across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Du Bois argues that the right to vote is essential for all people, including women and Black Americans, and that denying the franchise is a form of oppression that undermines true democracy and human development.

Affirms belief in 'Liberty for all men' including 'the right to vote' and freedom from color-based curses.

The call for 'final emancipation' and the NAACP's fight for civil rights are central to the chapter.

America's failure to extend democracy to black citizens is contrasted with its professed ideals, making it an 'awful example' of democratic failure.

## Evidence

- [credo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/credo.md): Affirms belief in 'Liberty for all men' including 'the right to vote' and freedom from color-based curses.
- [i-the-shadow-of-years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/i-the-shadow-of-years.md): The call for 'final emancipation' and the NAACP's fight for civil rights are central to the chapter.
- [ii-the-souls-of-white-folk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/ii-the-souls-of-white-folk.md): America's failure to extend democracy to black citizens is contrasted with its professed ideals, making it an 'awful example' of democratic failure.
- [iii-the-hands-of-ethiopia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/iii-the-hands-of-ethiopia.md): The chapter frames the 'present problem of problems' as democracy struggling against the color bar, and calls for a 'new democracy of all races' and equal rights for black South Africans.
- [vi-of-the-ruling-of-men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/vi-of-the-ruling-of-men.md): Central theme: Du Bois argues that the right to vote is not a privilege but a necessity for justice, and that excluding any group undermines democracy itself.
- [viii-the-immortal-child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/darkwater_se/chapters/viii-the-immortal-child.md): Du Bois argues that without widespread intelligence and education, democracy cannot achieve its greater ends, and that the current system fails to prepare citizens for civic duties.

## Links

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