Booker T. Washington in search of mutual understanding between the two races in the USA (the late XIX – early XX centuries)

Abstract

The article is focused on the philosophy and the practical actions of Booker T. Washington (1856-
1915) — the most significant African-American leader of the late XIX — early XX centuries. The
author analyzes the formation of attitudes and life principles of this figure, his search of peaceful
interaction of white and black people, in conditions of the restriction of civil and political rights of the
African-Americans in the territory of the southern states after the end of the Reconstruction in 1879.
The temporary renouncement by the black population of the struggle for political equality in return
for socio-economic opportunities, that was the main idea of the Washington’s “ideology of adaptation”,
became a compromise in the relationship between the two races. The author also focuses his
attention on the Washington’s educational program, his economic development strategy of the black
people, and his attitude to the racial discrimination, as well as the reasons that led the “ideology of
adaptation” to the failure in attempt to stop the further offensive racist legislation.