Atlanta Compromise

What came to be known as the Atlanta Compromise stemmed from a speech given by Booker T. Washington, president of the Tuskegee Institute, to the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 18, 1895.[1][2][3] It was first supported[4] and later opposed by W. E. B. Du Bois[5] and other African-American leaders.[citation needed]

In the speech, also known as the Atlanta Exposition Speech, Washington promoted vocational education, industrial occupations, and the learning of other practical trades that would give African Americans opportunities for economic advancement and wealth creation rather than other more intellectual pursuits such as higher education.[2][3][6][7][dubious – discuss] At least for the present, Washington proposed, Blacks would not focus their demands on equality or integration, and Northern whites should fund black educational charities.[8][9] Booker T. Washington urged blacks to "cast down your bucket where you are" - emphasizing his view that they should stay in the South and try to make the most of their situation.

  1. ^ (Lewis 2009, pp. 180–181)
  2. ^ a b (Croce 2001, pp. 1–3)
  3. ^ a b Encyclopædia Britannica, "Atlanta Compromise"; United States History
  4. ^ Harlan, Louis R. (1972), Booker T. Washington: The Making of a Black Leader, 1856–1901, New York: Oxford University Press, p. 225, Let me heartily congratulate you upon your phenomenal success at Atlanta – it was a word fitly spoken.
  5. ^ Du Bois, W.E.B. (January 1996). "III. Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others". The Souls of Black Folk. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  6. ^ (Lewis 2009, pp. 180–181))
  7. ^ (Croce 2001, pp. 1–3)
  8. ^ (Lewis 2009, pp. 180–181)
  9. ^ (Croce 2001, pp. 1–3)