The Southern Argument for Slavery

Directions:  For each argument complete the following steps:  Identify if there is any validity to the argument – explain your answer  AND/OR  Identify the problem with the argument – explain your answer

Argument 1: Necessary for the Economy  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.  Cotton, tobacco, and rice crops would die without the necessary help  Tobacco was the most profitable crop from the U.S.A. – essential to our economy

Argument 2: Unemployment Rates  Defenders of slavery argued that if all the slaves were freed, there would be widespread unemployment and chaos.  Freed slaves would not have jobs  leads to uprisings, conflicts, chaos, violence

Argument 3: Natural State of Mankind  Defenders of slavery argued that slavery had existed throughout history and was the natural state of mankind.  Greeks, Romans, and English all had slaves  “Follow the leader”

Argument 4: The Bible Supports Slavery  Defenders of slavery noted that in the Bible, Abraham had slaves.  "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house,... nor his manservant, nor his maidservant.“  Jesus didn’t speak out against it

Argument 5: Africans are Property  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.

Argument 6: Helps Spread Christianity  Defenders of slavery argued that the institution was divine, and that it brought Christianity to the heathen from across the ocean.  "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.“  -John C. Calhoun

Argument 7: Slaves were treated well  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.  Their owners would help them in times of need and sickness  Owners would provide for them when they are old  This wouldn’t happen in the working world

Reflection:  Why do you think people believed these arguments to be true?  Is there evidence of racism and/or prejudice within the arguments provided? Explain