atlanta compromise
Analytical Essay On The Atlanta Compromise Address Booker T. Washington is one of the most respected and influential African American figures in American history, Mr. Washington was born into slavery and was freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. His peaceful personality along with his exceptional education in many different studies turned him into a well-rounded individual. Washington wanted blacks and whites to become partners and strive for both races to succeed. He delivered his most famous speech in 1895 known as the “Atlanta Compromise”. In Atlanta Georgia, Mr. Washington expresses himself with exceptional rhetoric and tone throughout his speech. He states that African Americans should take benefit of what they know and endeavor to excel in their professions of choice. He also argues that whites should open up their eyes and see that Blacks are their “Family” who are willing to work together and do business in order for both races to prosper. Washington’s public speaking skills with his good use of rhetoric and tone including his metaphors made The Atlanta Compromise one of the most powerful and impacting speeches in our countries history. Washington used nice rhetoric throughout his entire address starting from the first sentence he tried to get his point across by saying “One-third of the population of the South is of the Negro race.” He was trying to convince his audience that they will have to get along and work with the Negro race to prosper and create a good life for both races. There is a serious tone in Washington’s writing. He is buttering up his audience so that they will actually listen to what he has to say instead of ignoring it. Understanding the time period many whites in the South weren’t too fond of African Americans in general still. Later in the speech, Mr. Washington says “It is recognition that will do more to cement the friendship of the two races than any occurrence since the dawn of our freedom.” He is saying that the only