Was John. C. Calhoun an abolitionist?

Answer 1

Senator and once Secretary of State John C. Calhoun was an avid supporter of slavery, especially in the 1830's and 40's, deeming it a "positive good" (not a "necessary evil" like many politicians at the time called it).

Calhoun supported slavery especially because he believed, like many other Southerners at this time, that white people were superior over blacks, and that they needed to have a paternalistic society in order to uphold social and natural order. Slavery, to him, was essential for the South to remain stable. He also believed its economic benefits supported the institution.

He was also avidly against the Wilmont Proviso (it would ban slavery in all lands acquired during the Mexican-American War) and did not tolerate ideas that limited the spread of slavery.

Calhoun wanted Texas into the Union to add another slave state to the Southern ones. Calhoun was certain Texas would be a good friend to Southern slave owners.

Answer 2

Senator and once Secretary of State John C. Calhoun was an avid supporter of slavery, especially in the 1830's and 40's, deeming it a "positive good" (not a "necessary evil" like many politicians at the time called it).

Calhoun supported slavery especially because he believed, like many other Southerners at this time, that white people were superior over blacks, and that they needed to have a paternalistic society in order to uphold social and natural order. Slavery, to him, was essential for the South to remain stable. He also believed its economic benefits supported the institution.

He was also avidly against the Wilmont Proviso (it would ban slavery in all lands acquired during the Mexican-American War) and did not tolerate ideas that limited the spread of slavery.

Calhoun wanted Texas into the Union to add another slave state to the Southern ones. Calhoun was certain Texas would be a good friend to Southern slave owners.