Question

i pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery. i have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. no one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the general government. having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution. then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or... according to washington, who was responsible for the institution of slavery? the white southerners individual states the nation as a whole

Explanation:

From the text, it says "No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government." Also, "Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution." This implies that the nation as a whole was responsible for the institution of slavery, not just white Southerners or individual states.

Answer:

the nation as a whole