1) If the slaves were freed, there would be no one to look after their welfare.
2) The slaves on the plantation had a happier life than the poorly paid factory laborers in the North
3) Freedom for the slaves would be a danger to white society, especially after the Turner Insurrection
4) Slavery was the only way Blacks and Whites could live together in America
One argument was that blacks were not human and therefore not able to receive the rights given to all men. They were considered property to be kept or sold at the master's whim. One book of interest is "How To Make A Slave". Interesting reading and perhaps one of the earlier forms of brainwashing.
Some of the arguments that pro slavery southerners used were that abolitionists only wanted to free enslaved workers so that they could work in northern factories, where they would get paid low wages, would have to pay for food and shelter, and where it was dangerous.
Most southerners in the antebellum period viewed slavery as a necessary institution for their agrarian economy, particularly in the production of cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Many believed it was essential for their way of life and justified it through economic, social, and racial arguments. While some opposed slavery on moral grounds, the majority supported it, seeing it as integral to their social hierarchy and economic prosperity. The defense of slavery became a central part of southern identity and culture.
Some northerners believed slavery was morally wrong. Southerners believed slavery was an essential part of their lives.
Some southerners in the Upper South criticized slavery due to economic considerations, believing that free labor would be more productive and lead to greater prosperity. They were also influenced by moral arguments against the institution, viewing it as incompatible with American democratic ideals. Additionally, the rise of abolitionist sentiment in the North and the fear of slave uprisings led some to question the sustainability and ethics of slavery. These factors contributed to a growing debate about the future of slavery even among those who benefited from it.
Some southerners supported slavery because it was central to their economy, providing cheap labor for plantations and agriculture. Additionally, there was a belief in white supremacy that justified the enslavement of black people. Social norms and traditions further reinforced the acceptance of slavery in the South.
1) If the slaves were freed, there would be no one to look after their welfare. 2) The slaves on the plantation had a happier life than the poorly paid factory laborers in the North 3) Freedom for the slaves would be a danger to white society, especially after the Turner Insurrection 4) Slavery was the only way Blacks and Whites could live together in America
Religious. They said it was a sin against humanity.
they passed strict laws and controls pertaining to slavery.
Some believed in expansionism and Manifest Destiny. Some wanted to expand slavery.
Briefly put, most Southerners wanted to continue the right to own slaves and most Northerners did not like the practice and did not want to see it extended to new states that came into the union. A fairly large number of Northerners were strongly against slavery and wanted to abolish it throughout the country as soon as possible. Some Southerners had objections to slavery but respected the right of others to keep their slaves.
Yes, some Southerners argued that slavery was necessary for their economic survival because plantations relied on cheap labor to be profitable. They believed that without slave labor, the Southern economy would suffer greatly.