Washington seemed to be unaware that a race which began at the
bottom could stay at the bottom. In an age of rapid urbanization
and industrialization a strategy which emphasized craft and
agriculture was drastically out of step with the economic
realities. Moreover the nation did not accept its part of the
compromise. The flood of immigration continued unabated for
another two decades. When Afro-Americans were given opportunities
in industry, it became clear that there were black jobs and white
jobs. The former were always poorly paid.
There were two bases for Washington's belief that the Negro
should start at the bottom and work his way up. The nineteenth-
century economic creed had taught that hard work unlocked the
door which led from rags to riches. This teaching was also
reinforced by Washington's own experience. Born in slavery and
poverty, he rose from obscurity to fame and influence through
honesty and industry. However, Washington seemed unaware that
the most which his policy could ever achieve was a token
acceptance which would leave the Negro masses behind.
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