"Before our freedom, a giant tree was growing in the garden [slavery], which all considered injurious to the progress of the whole nation. The work to be done was direct and simple-destroy the hurtful tree. The work before us now is not the destruction of a tree, but the growing of one. Slavery presented a problem of destruction; freedom presents one of construction. This requires time, patience, preparation of the soil, watering, pruning, and most careful nursing" (Washington, 50).

Booker T. Washington became a representative of the black population during this turbulent time. However, he was met with much criticism due to his controversial ideas and public speeches. The white citizenry largely appreciated his pacifying tone, but many of the blacks were irritated by the inactive agendum Washington was suggesting. Some of Booker T. Washington's ideas were practical and worthwhile, however some of hi

I don't agree with B.T.W.'s theory on this. Just because one has material commodities, this does not guarantee them respect or equality of any kind. The white southerners were brought up on racist beliefs. A black man's wealth will not change the white bigot's opinion. If anything, the whites will just begin to resent the black man. Moving up financially, was a good idea for the black race, as long as they protested equality simultaneously, because equality would not just appear along with financial stability.

Washington's point was that the blacks needed money at once, so they should excel at what they already know. African Americans already had the skills they learned from slavery, which was mostly farming and agriculture. He thought that they should utilize that knowledge in the work force. "...let the Negro begin right where he is by putting the greatest amount of intelligence, of skill, and dignity into the occupations by which he is surrounded" (Washington 42).

Washington stressed repeatedly in his speeches the importance of an industrial education. His own contribution to this was the Tuskagee Institute. It taught young blacks a trade that was practical, so they would be able to easily find a job, and begin earning income. Washington's thought was that an industrial education was far more important than a liberal education. He believed that a liberal education was a waste of time, because there weren't any immediate benefits, or instantaneous wage earning possibilities.

"Whenever in the South, for example, the Negro is the carpenter, let him realize that he cannot remain the carpenter unless people are sure that no one can excel him as a carpenter. This black carpenter should strive in every way possible to keep himself abreast of the best woodwork done in the world. He should be constantly studying the best journals and books bearing on carpentry. He should watch for every improvement in his line" (Washington 42).

Agitation was not one of Washington's endeavors. He believed that blacks should not provoke the white populace. He states in one of his articles, "Vastly more courage is often shown in one's ability to suffer in silence..." (Washington 48). This enraged many blacks. They had already been 'suffering in silence' through the endless years of slavery. Washington averred

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1576
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)