The Atlanta Compromise was a speech given by Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader and educator, at the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia in 1895. In his speech, Washington urged African Americans to accept segregation and focus on economic self-improvement rather than directly challenging white supremacy.

Washington's philosophy in the Atlanta Compromise was based on the belief that African Americans should emphasize vocational training, industrial education, and economic advancement to show their value to white society. He believed that by proving themselves as productive and hardworking members of society, African Americans could win the respect and support of white Americans, which would ultimately lead to greater opportunities and equality.

The Atlanta Compromise was controversial within the African American community, with some critics accusing Washington of promoting accommodation and compromise with white supremacy. Despite the mixed reactions, the speech solidified Washington's position as a prominent leader in the post-Reconstruction era and influenced the direction of African American civil rights activism for years to come.