Today most people in the world do not condone slavery. Unfortunately that was not always the case. Slavery was an unscrupulous part of our American history as it was inhumane and immoral. This was especially true in the south. Many slaves lived on the plantation grounds and worked either on the fields or inside the main house as servants. At the time it was illegal for slaves to marry therefore many families were often separated and sold. Slaves were habitually intimidated through harsh punishments or starvation.
The life of a Southern slave was typically harsh. Field slaves worked long hours usually from sunrise to sunset under rigorous weather conditions. Many slaves did not get enough to eat and were often punished for not meeting their master’s expectations. House slaves were servants that cleaned cooked and often watched over the master’s children. They too were closely monitored and often reprimanded. Their living quarters were usually crowded and uncomfortable.
Although most people were aware of the terrible quality of life that slaves were subjected to, pro slavery ideology was still being defended. This was mainly due to its positive impact on the Southern economy. Slavery played a pivotal role in the southern economy and Southerners believed that it was a necessary evil in order for the economy to flourish and survive. Since cotton and tobacco were the main crops grown in the South, slave labor was essential for the successful planting and harvesting of these crops. Slaves provided a labor source that couldn’t demand higher wages and it insured that the labor force would continue for generations.(The Proslavery Argument).
The slave population was also a major part of the economy. Through the sale of slaves at the slave auctions, many people made fortunes. Additionally, these slave auctions afforded plantations with more slaves as the slaves needed for the previously mentioned work force.
People would often raise strong slaves and sell their children in order to make easy money and help others have a more profitable plantation. It could easily be thought, and often was, that slaves were “the controlling element” of the economy (Cotton is King, 24).
Since slaves were thought of as property, they were seen as inferior to their masters. Books like the “Negro’s place in Nature” were used as scientific proof of the African American inferiority. (us hidtory org.) Pro slavery ideologists also provided arguments condoning slavery using the Bible as further proof. Since Abraham had slaves it was therefore an acceptable practice. In addition, Southerners claimed that slaves were better cared for in comparison to the factory workers in the northern states. Owners claimed that they acted as protectors to the slaves and cared for them when they were ill. Unlike the workers in the Northern states, slaves could never be fired.
At the time owning slaves provided one with social and economic status. Leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin owned slaves. Thomas Jefferson was a plantation owner. It was estimated that throughout his life Thomas Jefferson owned over 600 slaves. (Ambrose) Benjamin Franklin owned slaves for thirty years and sold them at his general store.
In the mid 1800’s a new argument arose regarding pro slavery. Slave supporters contended that if slaves were granted their freedom there would be widespread unemployment and turmoil. (us hidtory org.). Many people were afraid of potential rebellions, retaliations and bloodshed. In reality most plantation owners were concerned with the cost. Without slavery the economy would suffer since overhead costs would increase exponentially.
In conclusion, slavery was unquestionably a dark time in our history. While slavery occurred mainly for economic reasons it showed the worst in human kind. The pro-slavery ideology was extremely misguided and caused a lot suffering for the African Americans. Even though this was a predominant mindset at the time, slavery should have never been condoned.