The Southern Argument for Slavery
Nellie Norton
Southern slaveholders often used biblical passages to justify slavery.
Those who defended slavery rose to the challenge set forth by the Abolitionists. The defenders of slavery included economics, history, religion, legality, social good, and even humanitarianism, to further their arguments.
Defenders of slavery argued that the sudden end to the slave economy would have had a profound and killing economic impact in the South where reliance on slave labor was the foundation of their economy. The cotton economy would collapse. The tobacco crop would dry in the fields. Rice would cease being profitable.
Defenders of slavery argued that if all the slaves were freed, there would be widespread unemployment and chaos. This would lead to uprisings, bloodshed, and anarchy. They pointed to the mob's "rule of terror" during the French Revolution and argued for the continuation of the status quo, which was providing for affluence and stability for the slaveholding class and for all free people who enjoyed the bounty of the slave society.
The Negro's Place in Nature
Some slaveholders believed that African Americans were biologically inferior to their masters. During the 1800s, this arguement was taken quite seriously, even in scientific circles.
Defenders of slavery argued that slavery had existed throughout history and was the natural state of mankind. The Greeks had slaves, the Romans had slaves, and the English had slavery until very recently.
Defenders of slavery noted that in the Bible, Abraham had slaves. They point to the Ten Commandments, noting that "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, ... nor his manservant, nor his maidservant." In the New Testament, Paul returned a runaway slave, Philemon, to his master, and, although slavery was widespread throughout the Roman world, Jesus never spoke out against it.
Defenders of slavery turned to the courts, who had ruled, with the Dred Scott Decision, that all blacks — not just slaves — had no legal standing as persons in our courts — they were property, and the Constitution protected slave-holders' rights to their property.
Defenders of slavery argued that the institution was divine, and that it brought Christianity to the heathen from across the ocean. Slavery was, according to this argument, a good thing for the enslaved. John C. Calhoun said, "Never before has the black race of Central Africa, from the dawn of history to the present day, attained a condition so civilized and so improved, not only physically, but morally and intellectually."
Defenders of slavery argued that by comparison with the poor of Europe and the workers in the Northern states, that slaves were better cared for. They said that their owners would protect and assist them when they were sick and aged, unlike those who, once fired from their work, were left to fend helplessly for themselves.
JAMES THORNWELL, a minister, wrote in 1860, "The parties in this conflict are not merely Abolitionists and slaveholders, they are Atheists, Socialists, Communists, Red Republicans, Jacobins on the one side and the friends of order and regulated freedom on the other."
Nat Turner's revolt
The violence of Nat Turner's 1831 slave revolt frightened many southern slaveholders. Such unrest was used by many as a reason to continue slavery.
When a society forms around any institution, as the South did around slavery, it will formulate a set of arguments to support it. The Southerners held ever firmer to their arguments as the political tensions in the country drew us ever closer to the Civil War.
Arguments that support slavery
1. Economic impact: The sudden end to the slave economy would have devastating effects on the Southern economy, leading to widespread unemployment and chaos.
2. Historical precedent: Slavery has existed throughout history, including in ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, making it a natural state of mankind.
3. Biblical justification: Slavery is mentioned in the Bible, with figures such as Abraham and Paul owning slaves. The Bible does not explicitly condemn slavery, and therefore it is considered a divine institution.
4. Legal protection: The Dred Scott Decision ruled that blacks, whether free or enslaved, were considered property, and therefore slaveholders' rights to their property were protected by the Constitution.
5. Social good: Slaveholders argued that they provided for the well-being of their slaves, offering them care and assistance in times of need, unlike the poor workers in the Northern states.
6. Humanitarianism: Some slaveholders believed that slavery brought civilization and Christianity to the African race, improving them physically, morally, and intellectually.
7. Fear of unrest: The violence of slave revolts, such as Nat Turner's revolt, was used as a reason to continue slavery, as it was believed that the institution provided stability and order in society.
is this from the text
Yes, the information provided is based on the text provided in the initial response. It summarizes the arguments that were used by defenders of slavery in the Southern states during the 19th century.
Arguments that are against slavery
While the text primarily focuses on the arguments used by defenders of slavery, it is important to note that there were also strong arguments made against the institution of slavery during this time period. Some common arguments against slavery included:
1. Moral and ethical considerations: Many abolitionists argued that slavery was a moral evil and a violation of human rights. They believed that every individual, regardless of race, deserved to be treated as a free and equal human being.
2. Economic inefficiency: Some critics of slavery pointed out that the slave economy was ultimately unsustainable and hindered economic progress. They argued that free labor and industrialization would lead to a more prosperous and developed society.
3. Social injustice: Critics of slavery highlighted the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of the institution, emphasizing the brutal living and working conditions faced by enslaved individuals. They advocated for the abolition of slavery to promote social equality and justice.
4. Religious arguments: Many religious leaders and activists condemned slavery on religious grounds, citing principles of love, compassion, and equality found in various religious teachings. They believed that slavery was incompatible with the values of their faith.
5. Legal and constitutional concerns: Some opponents of slavery argued that the institution contradicted the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the Constitution and other legal documents. They called for the recognition of the rights of all individuals, regardless of their race or status.
Overall, the arguments against slavery emphasized the immorality, inefficiency, and injustices associated with the institution, advocating for its abolition in order to create a more just and equitable society.
simplify
Arguments against slavery included:
1. Moral and ethical reasons: Opponents believed slavery was wrong and violated human rights.
2. Economic inefficiency: Critics argued that slavery hindered economic progress and that free labor would be more beneficial.
3. Social injustice: Critics highlighted the harsh living and working conditions of slaves, advocating for social equality.
4. Religious beliefs: Many religious leaders condemned slavery, citing principles of love and equality in their faiths.
5. Legal concerns: Some argued that slavery went against the Constitution and called for equal rights for all individuals.
more
Some reasons against slavery were:
1. Morality: People believed slavery was unethical and violated human rights.
2. Economic issues: Critics said slavery hindered economic growth and free labor would be more beneficial.
3. Social justice: Critics pointed out the harsh treatment of slaves and called for equality.
4. Religion: Many religious leaders opposed slavery, citing principles of love and equality in their beliefs.
5. Legal concerns: Some argued that slavery contradicted constitutional rights and called for equal treatment for all.