Why did slavery became a part of American culture and identity?

Southern plantation owners wanted cheap labor to plant and harvest their crops, primarily cotton and tobacco.

The institution of slavery became integrated into American culture and identity due to a combination of economic, social, and political factors. Understanding this involves looking at the historical context and events that shaped the development of slavery in America.

1. Economic Factors: Slavery was primarily driven by economic considerations. In the early colonial period, labor-intensive crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo required large numbers of workers. African slaves were seen as a profitable source of labor compared to indentured servants or European migrants who had more legal rights and could eventually become independent farmers. Slavery provided an inexpensive and constant labor force that enabled the expansion of plantation economies in the South.

2. Social Factors: Racial attitudes and perceptions played a significant role in the development of American slavery. The concept of race was used to justify the subjugation and dehumanization of African peoples. Slavery became closely associated with blackness, and white superiority was promoted to maintain social order and solidify the power dynamics within American society. This racial hierarchy became deeply ingrained and continued to shape American culture and identity even after slavery's abolition.

3. Political Factors: Slavery became entrenched in American society through legislation. As the nation expanded, maintaining a balance between free and slave states became a significant political issue. The Three-Fifths Compromise in the U.S. Constitution (1787) counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of legislative representation, granting slaveholding states increased political power. Subsequent compromises and acts, like the Missouri Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Act, further legalized and protected the institution.

It's important to note that the question of why slavery became a part of American culture and identity is complex and multifaceted, with historical nuances and various perspectives. The factors mentioned here provide a broad understanding, but deeper research and analysis can provide a more comprehensive picture.