What was the main purpose of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) led by Marcus Garvey?

Introduction / Context:
The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), founded and led by Marcus Garvey in the early twentieth century, played a significant role in black nationalism and pan-African thought. It promoted economic independence, racial pride and the idea of a separate homeland for people of African descent. This question assesses your understanding of the multifaceted aims of the UNIA in world history and civil rights movements.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question asks about the purpose of the UNIA.
• Options list three specific goals: economic self-sufficiency, racial pride and the formation of a black nation, plus a combined option “All of the above.”
• It is assumed that you have basic awareness of Marcus Garvey's pan-African ideology and the back-to-Africa movement associated with his organization.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is that the UNIA pursued all of these goals simultaneously. Marcus Garvey urged people of African descent to build their own businesses, celebrate black identity and consider establishing a separate nation in Africa where they could govern themselves free from racism and colonial control. Therefore, each of the first three options describes a genuine aspect of UNIA's program, and the correct answer is the inclusive choice “All of the above.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Marcus Garvey promoted black economic independence through enterprises such as the Black Star Line shipping company.Step 2: Remember that the UNIA emphasized racial pride, encouraging people of African descent to value their heritage and culture.Step 3: Note that Garvey also advocated for the creation of a homeland in Africa where black people could live free from white domination.Step 4: Compare these historical aims with the answer options, which list each key goal separately.Step 5: Since all three goals were part of the UNIA program, choose “All of the above.”

Verification / Alternative Check:
To verify, think of standard textbook descriptions: they often summarize the UNIA's main goals as economic uplift, racial pride and the back-to-Africa movement. Exam guides on world history or African-American history also highlight this combination of aims, confirming that all three objectives were central to Garvey's vision.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Economic self-sufficiency alone: While this was a key aim, it was not the only or complete purpose of the UNIA.
• Promotion of racial pride and unity alone: A major emphasis, but the organization also focused on economic and territorial goals.
• Formation of a separate black nation alone: This was part of the program, but the UNIA also stressed immediate economic and psychological uplift.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick only one aspect of Garvey's movement, such as racial pride, and overlook the broader program. Others may wrongly assume that the idea of a separate black nation was only symbolic. In reality, Garvey and the UNIA pursued a comprehensive agenda combining economic, cultural and political goals. Remembering this holistic approach helps you select the inclusive option when presented with such questions.

Final Answer:
The purpose of the UNIA was to promote all three goals, so the correct answer is All of the above.