What were the arguments of those who defended slavery?

Question

back in the 1800's

Answer 1

It is true that many of the arguments included the notion that blacks were inferior, but usually the main point was that they were GOOD for them (and for all concerned). As slaves they were:
--happy and cared for (few worries)
--in a better situation than in their native lands
--more secure than Northern 'wage slaves'

(Note that these arguments, though regarding blacks as inferior, less intellectually capable, etc., did NOT in general view them as "not human".)

It is true that some also argued that the Bible permitted slavery, and may have even dictated it in this case (e.g., the "curse on Ham", though they actually misread the text, because the curse is on CANAAN, not Ham).... or just the general appeal to God's having providentially placed each of us in our particular station (no specific Scripture appeal). But these were largely SECONDARY arguments, and in part to counter the arguments on Christian abolitionists AGAINST slavery.

For a set of the classic pro-slavery arguments, take a look at the following:

John C. Calhoun, "Slavery a Positive Good" (1837)
http://www.teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=71

"The 'Mudsill' Theory" by James Henry Hammond
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h3439t.html

"The Universal Law of Slavery" by George Fitzhugh
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h3141t.html

Southern editorials 1859-60
http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/teaching/vclassroom/proslavewsht1.html
http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/teaching/vclassroom/proslavewsht2.html
http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/teaching/vclassroom/proslavewsht3.html

Answer 2

They had several "justifications" for slavery. First, they considered themselves superior, and some even didn't believe blacks were really people! Believe it or not, within the last 20 years I actually saw some racist propoganda one time that compared African Americans to apes!!! Ugh!

Another reason that was put forth was Biblical. Somebody had to dig down into the Bible to try to find some way to justify it, which of course made it OK. I've seen the argument that because one son of Noah saw his father naked, he was banished, and he was the ancestor of all African Americans. His "shame" was the reason for slavery. It just goes to show how far people will go to justify their own terrible actions.

Answer 3

Here's a quote by the Governor of South Carolina: "In the Southern States there are two entirely distinct and separate races, and one has been held in subjection (slavery) to the other by peaceful inheritance from worthy and patriotic ancestors, and all who know the races well know that it (subjection or slavery) is the only form of government that can preserve both, and administer the blessings of civilization with order and in harmony. Any thing tending to change and weaken the Government and the subordination between the races, not only endangers the peace, but the very existence of our society itself."

Francis W. Pickens, December 10, 1860

According to this person's arguments FOR slavery:

1. Slavery was "peacefully" inherited from "worthy and patriotic ancestors."
2. It is the only form of social organization that can preserve both races and give "the blessings of civilization with order and in harmony."
3. Any change to the subordination of the black race to the white race "endangers the peace, and (Southern) society itself."

Answer 4

If you have a Bible with an index or corcordance, look up slavery and you will see why most of the arguments for slavery came from scripture.

Answer 5

I am sure they were saying that Blacks were primitive and atleast they were giving them a purpose in life. Those who defended slavery felt Blacks were inferior. Of course we now know that is hogwash.

Answer 6

They did have to pay for the slaves and according to the Dred Scott Decision, slaves were property. They argued that the Federal gov't could not infringe upon people's right to own property. Plus it was cost free labor for the agricultural south.

Answer 7

low costs for the farmers! they needed people to work on there plantations!the first slavery started by the Arabic! they sold people on the marked places.than they where brought to south and a part of nord America by Spanish ships and sold there at the farmers! slavery still exist in this moment!children has to work for free!

Answer 8

The Bible supports slavery.
Racist ideas supported by the church implied that the superior white man needed to care for the inferior black man.

Answer 9

Mainly that they were providing jobs and care for blacks who had nothing.