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Why did many of the Founders support gradual abolition? (2 points)

User Jonashackt
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Answer:

For a number of reasons, many of the Founders supported the gradual abolition of slavery in the United States.

1. Economical factors: Slavery was a major economic institution in the South, and many plantation owners there depended on it to make a living. The Founders who advocated for gradual abolition thought that in order to prevent the economic shock that would come from an abrupt end to slavery, gradual abolition was the best course of action.

2. Political factors: The gradual abolition of slavery was supported by the Founders because they considered it would be more politically possible and less likely to spark violent conflict. Slavery was a contentious and divided issue.

3. Moral considerations: Although many of the Founders thought slavery was immoral, they also thought it would be challenging to swiftly abolish it without causing significant social and economic upheaval. The moral concerns surrounding slavery were thought to be addressed while reducing the unfavourable effects of abolition through gradual abolition.

To sum up, the Founders who favoured gradual abolition thought that this strategy was a realistic and effective method to confront the difficult and divisive subject of slavery in a way that would cause the least amount of social and economic upheaval and maintain the stability of the country.

Hope it helps! : )

User Mike Finch
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