Political Views

Political Views

During the reconstruction period after the civil war, differences of opinions was a common issue concerning the U.S. These issues would frequently refer to black suffrage, and the development of the new south. Some of these opinions where often taken to congress or made public one way or another. In this period of American history, black suffrage and the rebuilding of the south was a constant theme of discussions among whites and blacks alike. Although both Southerners and Northerners considered the Civil War as a crusade against oppression, both sides would often have differences in opinions regarding the reconstruction period.

One of these interpretations was that of Booker T. Washington in The Atlanta Exposition Address in 1895, who was greatly respected by whites and blacks alike. Washington was a visionary; he believed that in order to bring blacks and whites together it was best for African Americans to prove their worthiness. By seeking knowledge in agriculture, mechanics, carpentry, and commerce, then only would the black man be truly admired and recognized. Continuing to add, the African Americans could recognize the white man and how they have given free slaves the opportunity to be recognized as a man. He goes on to say that it is best for the Negroes to value the skill of laboring the land, leading toward the laboring of the mind making way to a proportional growth. Washington was not only respected for his progressive interpretation of black suffrage, but also for his take on segregation. Totaling that discrimination would fade away as the Negro proved their value and our two races would enjoy a period of friendship never seen before in U.S. history (Booker T Washington The Atlanta Exposition Address 1895).

A similar belief was that of Frederick Douglass on his Appeal to Congress for Impartial Suffrage. Frederick’s judgment on the matter was if rights belong to any, it should belong to all. His main clause stated how the black man could participate in the construction and advancement of this country but not in the decision making process. Therefore if in the eyes of the white man the blacks had no right to vote, then in the eyes of the black man, the white man should have none as well. Also he represents how after two-hundred and fifty years of suffering and calamities the black man is not retaliating, or threatening, nor seeking revenge, on the contrary he is imploring to be considered and treated as a man, a free man. It does not matter how the black man got to this land, but more importantly, Negroes are inevitably a part of American population and they are here to stay. Furthermore the black man is not complaining about past injustices, but instead asking for a better future. As proven by their participation in the liberation of this country during the American Revolution, when their loyalty came to a test, the blacks sided with those who had the intention to keep them as less of a person; as animals or simply property to be traded off, sold, or punished whenever the masters felt like doing so. Later, the Negroes were again asked to help during the civil war, in caring for wounded soldiers or when rising of arms was needed, in this instance, their loyalty was put to test once more. They were asked to betray their masters, the Negro came forward with bravery and not hesitation, to defend and protect the U.S. When they asked for the same devotion in return, many turned their backs on them. More importantly, how can a nation stand together when its people stand apart; referring to the position of the Negro throughout the different stages of American history (Douglass “Appeal to Congress”).

Views like those of Washington and Douglass where based on self experience or of suffering and mistreatments, but there were those backed by greed and ambition like Henry W. Grady, of Georgia who talks about the New South. His speech states that the south that

...