Atlanta Compromise Analysis
Nithin Alexander
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Atlanta Compromise Speech Analysis!
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Given just thirty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, “The Atlanta Compromise
Address” effectively explained Booker T. Washington’s vision for the economic integration of
African Americans into the Southern economy. Washington was a realist who didn’t seek social equity for African Americans in the short run, rather economic and educational advancement. This speech’s goal is to promote gradual change that will benefit the African American community in the long run. Washington walks a thin line, but succeeds in showing both African Americans and
Whites that divided they fall and together they stand.!
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An important aspect of the “Atlanta Compromise” is the occasion, the Cotton States and
International Exposition of 1895. Thus, the audience is most likely composed of wealthy white male landowners. Washington understands this and sets up his ethos by starting his speech with compliments for the event organizers. He states, “Mr. President and Directors, … I say that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent Exposition.” This statement shows that
Washington wants to begin civilized discourse about race and makes the audience feel that they are making the effort to create social progress. He continues by arguing that this social progress will bring “a new era of industrial progress,” which is exactly what wealthy landowners would want for the future. In addition to this, Washington shows that he is educated by speaking “proper”
English, rather than a vernacular. These two factors combine to set the stage for Washington to make an argument that the audience will listen to.!
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Washington’s next step is to make his argument from the African American perspective. He starts with a metaphor about a ship that needs water desperately, but only needed to be told to
“cast down your bucket where you are.”
!
Atlanta Compromise Speech Analysis!
!
Given just thirty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, “The Atlanta Compromise
Address” effectively explained Booker T. Washington’s vision for the economic integration of
African Americans into the Southern economy. Washington was a realist who didn’t seek social equity for African Americans in the short run, rather economic and educational advancement. This speech’s goal is to promote gradual change that will benefit the African American community in the long run. Washington walks a thin line, but succeeds in showing both African Americans and
Whites that divided they fall and together they stand.!
!
!
An important aspect of the “Atlanta Compromise” is the occasion, the Cotton States and
International Exposition of 1895. Thus, the audience is most likely composed of wealthy white male landowners. Washington understands this and sets up his ethos by starting his speech with compliments for the event organizers. He states, “Mr. President and Directors, … I say that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent Exposition.” This statement shows that
Washington wants to begin civilized discourse about race and makes the audience feel that they are making the effort to create social progress. He continues by arguing that this social progress will bring “a new era of industrial progress,” which is exactly what wealthy landowners would want for the future. In addition to this, Washington shows that he is educated by speaking “proper”
English, rather than a vernacular. These two factors combine to set the stage for Washington to make an argument that the audience will listen to.!
!
!
Washington’s next step is to make his argument from the African American perspective. He starts with a metaphor about a ship that needs water desperately, but only needed to be told to
“cast down your bucket where you are.”