The Reconstruction period was full of political, economic, and social transformations, resulting in fundamentally new farming methods, trade, and industrial activity. On the other hand, the Post-Reconstruction period was characterized by prosperity and economic dominance of the industrial regions over the agrarian ones (Fellows and Wells). This led to the population’s impoverishment in these regions, especially the Black People, who comprised the majority. Against this background of pronounced economic and social segregation, the speeches of Booker T. Washington, calling for the establishment of harmonious development and coexistence of different regions and races, attracted society’s attention. His famous speeches, especially “The Atlanta Exposition Address” of 1895, were revolutionary in changing public opinion and sparking meaningful discussions (Christian). From this speech, one can single out characteristics of Booker T. Washington: the desire for justice, the ability to see the essence of processes, as well as faith in the bright future of the USA.
The desire for justice permeates the entire performance and connects its logical parts. Booker T. Washington believed that all members of American society working for the country’s good should be treated equally, regardless of race or wealth. In his speech, he calls not to turn away from entire categories of poor citizens but to cooperate with them and build equal relations to improve joint work. However, he explains that he does not believe privileges should be granted without reason. His version of equality is equality in contribution to the common good, not a fundamental right of every citizen (The Atlanta Exposition Address). This detail somewhat distinguishes the position of Booker T. Washington from the modern understanding of equality as the inalienable right of everyone.
Another essential characteristic of Washington as a speaker and public figure is the ability to see the essence of what is happening and highlight the main problems that need to be addressed. Having witnessed the disproportionate development of the northern and southern regions, he could see the reason for this and reflected it in his speech. He notes that only an equal contribution of labor and resources to all areas of the country can solve the problem of poverty and segregation in society (The Atlanta Exposition Address). Booker T. Washington urges not to indulge in even more significant enrichment of the rich but to allow the poor agrarian regions to express themselves and contribute to the state’s future.
Finally, one must note Washington’s confidence in a bright future for all Americans with equality and the collective contribution of all citizens to a better economy. In “The Atlanta Exposition Address,” there are calls for the admission of the poor Black People to opportunities to get an education and start a business, in equality of all races before the law (The Atlanta Exposition Address). According to the author, this will help overcome the problem of the impoverishment of the South and help establish production and business in these regions. He is sure that the issue of disproportionate development lies in the lack of fair treatment of all members of society, as well as the unwillingness of the rich to pay attention to the poor and extend a hand of support to them. After the era of Reconstruction, which was very bright but short, the state needed new guidelines to improve the social and economic situation. Booker T. Washington’s calls for equality in economic and social matters were a worthy response to these challenges.
Thus, “The Atlanta Exposition Address” gives an idea of Washington’s characteristics as a speaker: his belief in future prosperity, his desire for justice, and his ability to see the essence of social processes. These characteristics made him an important figure in the public and political life of the United States in the post-Reconstruction period. Booker T. Washington’s speeches and articles provide an informative insight into the challenges and issues of the era and the currents that shaped public opinion.
Works Cited
“The Atlanta Exposition Address.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Web.
Christian, Mark. Booker T. Washington: A Life in American History. ABC-CLIO, 2021
Fellows, Nicholas, and Mike Wells. Civil Rights in the USA, 1865-1992 for OCR. 2nd ed., Hachette UK, 2019