What was Booker T Washington's contribution to civil rights?

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What was Booker T Washington's contribution to civil rights?

Advantages

  • His advancement from slave to college principle provided an inspiring example to African-Americans.
  • He set strict standards of behaviour and self-discipline - extremely valuable for students.
  • He was the main leader and spokesman of the black race USA between 1895-1905.
  • He developed valuable contacts in the white dominated political world.
  • His long term aim was to show the white race by example that blacks could equal them - hard work & practical skills.

Disadvantages

  • His policy appeared to accept the lower position of blacks in society - blacks felt was unacceptable.
  • He focused on working WITHIN the system, rather than trying to change it.
  • Negative view on the vote for African-Americans
  • After 1905 his position was questioned by African-Americans.
  • He had done little for civil rights.

Evaluation

On the whole, Washington made many contributions to civil rights and was one of the main leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. His main developments were made before 1905 where he set up the National ***** Business League, the Tuskegee Institute and gained support from African-Americans and important white political leaders. However, after 1905 he realised his policies were not working therefore his contributions to civil rights lessened.

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