What was the central idea of the Atlanta Compromise?

The central idea of the Atlanta Compromise was rooted in the argument for economic self-improvement rather than civil rights. Proposed by Booker T. Washington during his 1895 speech at the Cotton States and International Exposition, this approach emphasized the importance of vocational training and economic advancement for African Americans as a pathway to gain social acceptance and eventual civil rights. Washington advocated that African Americans should focus on acquiring practical skills and improving their economic status rather than immediately pursuing civil rights, which were seen as unattainable at the time. This strategy aimed to foster a sense of self-reliance and demonstrate the contributions of African Americans to society, thereby encouraging a gradual process toward equality.

In contrast, options focusing on immediate social equality or civil rights reflect perspectives that were more aligned with leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, who believed in asserting civil rights and political representation without delay. The idea of a plan for political representation also does not align with Washington’s emphasis on economic advancement as a precursor to such rights, highlighting the unique focus of the Atlanta Compromise on economic self-improvement instead.