What was the main objective of the Tuskegee Institute?

• A. To promote civil rights activism.
• B. To provide vocational training for African Americans.
• C. To establish a liberal arts education for African Americans.
• D. To create a historical archive of African American history.

Answer: (B)

The main objective of the Tuskegee Institute was to provide vocational training for African Americans. Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama, the institution aimed to equip African Americans with practical skills necessary for self-sufficiency and economic independence. This approach was grounded in Washington's belief that education should be tailored to the needs of the community and should focus on trades and agricultural education, enabling students to find stable employment and improve their socio-economic status.

The institute emphasized hands-on learning and training in various trades, such as farming, carpentry, and domestic skills, which were particularly vital during a time when opportunities for African Americans were severely limited due to systemic racism and discrimination. By fostering a skilled workforce, the Tuskegee Institute played a crucial role in uplifting the African American community and promoting economic self-reliance, which was a central component of Washington's philosophy.

While the institute also offered some elements of liberal arts education, its primary focus on vocational training distinguished it from other educational institutions at the time that sought to provide a more academic or civil rights-oriented education.