Examining Diverse Views on Slavery in America

Introduction

Slavery was the primary provoking factor that made the Civil War break out in the U.S. This was because there was a clear distinction between Northern Abolitionists and people in the South who heavily relied on slavery, as it was crucial for their agriculture-based economy. This issue escalated with the invention of the cotton gin because slaves were needed to work the machines to produce and clean the cotton. While only a small percentage of the South’s population owned slaves due to their high cost, they were profitable, with planters making about a 10% profit from slaves annually (Foner, 2011). Even those in the South who didn’t own slaves benefited from them, as they helped the overall economy, and thus they supported slavery. To convince the opposing side of the necessity or moral correctness of their views on slavery, many authors wrote essays expressing their opinions on the issue.

Pro-Slavery Perspectives

Multiple authors argued that slavery was a positive institution. One of these authors was John C. Calhoun. In his writings, Calhoun's key argument in defense of slavery was its necessity for the South’s economy, asserting that “the political condition of the slave-holding states has been so much more stable and quiet than that of the North” (Calhoun, 1837). His argument holds some merit because the South relied heavily on agriculture, and planters needed slaves to perform the hard labor of planting, caring for, harvesting, and cleaning cotton and other crops. However, in the long run, the South might have been better off without slavery, as slavery hindered their industrial development. The South had only 10% of America’s industry compared to the North's 90%. For the South to progress, they needed to embrace and utilize industrial advancements (Kolchin, 2003).

Another author who believed slavery was beneficial was George Fitzhugh. Fitzhugh viewed slavery as favorable for poor laborers, arguing that it provided them with a house, food, and clothes. He claimed that free laborers had a lower social status than slaves because they sometimes lacked housing or a steady job. Fitzhugh also stated that crime statistics were higher among the free laborer population than among slaves (Fitzhugh, 1854). This argument lacks merit because slaves were treated extremely poorly, with minimal regard for their safety, health, and well-being. They lived in poor conditions, some with hardly any clothes or food to survive. The low crime rate among slaves was likely due to fear of severe punishment rather than any inherent moral superiority.

Anti-Slavery Perspectives

Conversely, numerous authors opposed slavery and sought to eradicate it from the nation. One such author was Theodore D. Weld, who held a radical position against slavery. He believed slavery was utterly outrageous, stating, “The slaves in the United States are treated with barbarous inhumanity” (Weld, 1839). His approach was unique as he did not advocate for militant force but instead aimed to collect eyewitness statements and facts to present as testimony. This collection of evidence would have certainly helped to highlight the appalling conditions of slavery and its unconstitutionality, as slaves had little to no rights (Stewart, 1996).

James G. Birney was another abolitionist who believed slavery was unjust in the eyes of God, equating it to murder. Birney’s position was radical because he strongly denounced slavery and advocated for its immediate end. His words were instrumental in connecting slavery to universally condemned acts like murder, incest, adultery, and blasphemy, thereby swaying public opinion (Birney, 1838). He also reminded Christians that God would not approve of slavery.

William Lloyd Garrison, a radical abolitionist, had an almost militant stance on the matter. He demanded an end to slavery, asserting, “On this subject, I don’t wish to think, or speak, or write with moderation” (Garrison, 1831). Garrison's determined actions and strong words contributed significantly to the abolitionist cause, as he was prepared to apply any necessary force to end slavery.

The Declaration of the American Anti-Slavery Society was another group of abolitionists who believed that people of color should have the same rights as any white American. Their position was radical as they openly spoke out against slavery and advocated for equal rights and privileges for all Americans, regardless of color (American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833). Groups like these had a more substantial impact on ending slavery because collective action often holds more sway with the government than individual efforts.

Henry David Thoreau was another radical abolitionist who believed slavery was disgraceful and immoral. He argued that if the government tolerated slavery, he would not obey the government. Thoreau believed that obeying unjust laws indirectly supported slavery, asserting that people should break laws that go against moral beliefs (Thoreau, 1849). His position was radical because he was willing to break the law to end slavery, further influencing people, particularly in the North, to oppose slavery.

David Walker also vehemently opposed slavery, as evidenced in his writings, such as “Appeal in Four Articles with a Preamble to the Coloured Citizens of the World.” His position was radical and militant, warning that unless changes were made, divine retribution would ensue (Walker, 1829). Although some viewed Walker’s and other radical abolitionists' positions as too strong or violent, their words and actions were necessary to end slavery. They helped others realize the horror of slavery, influencing people in the North to resist its spread.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I agree with Henry David Thoreau’s position on civil disobedience concerning slavery. Civil disobedience is justified when the law is unjust, unfair, or immoral. If everyone just obeyed a wrong law, the country wouldn't improve, and issues like slavery wouldn't be resolved. For example, Thoreau refused to pay his poll tax to avoid supporting a government that tolerated slavery. Although this alone didn’t end slavery, it demonstrated to the government that there was significant opposition to slavery, influencing others' views on the matter (Thoreau, 1849). The combined efforts of radical abolitionists and their strong positions played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ultimately ending slavery.