Many Black leaders were skeptical of the war, viewing it as a conflict between White imperial powers, but some saw the potential for advancing civil rights through military service. However, the majority ultimately prioritized domestic racial issues over international concerns.

Black intellectuals unanimously supported Du Bois’s stance on military service, believing that the war would secure full citizenship and civil rights for African Americans.

Du Bois supported the war as a path to civil rights, but faced criticism from radical leaders who opposed any compromise. His “Closed Ranks” editorial led to accusations of betrayal, deeply affecting him.

Du Bois’s support for the war was widely accepted, but he later distanced himself from civil rights leaders who felt Black men should not serve in the US military.