Final answer:
The core economic arguments over slavery include economic dependence, labor cost and profitability, and property rights. The northern abolition movement sought to end slavery based on moral grounds, while the southern response involved defending economic interests and the institution of slavery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The core economic arguments over slavery:
1. Economic dependence: Southern states argued that their economy, mainly based on agriculture and plantations, heavily relied on slave labor to cultivate crops, such as cotton, tobacco, and rice. They believed that abolishing slavery would lead to economic collapse.
2. Labor cost and profitability: Slave labor was seen as a cheap source of labor for plantation owners. They argued that without slavery, the cost of hiring free labor would be significantly higher and would reduce their profits.
3. Property rights: Southern states argued that they had the right to own and control slaves as property, which they believed was protected by the Constitution. They viewed any attempts to restrict or abolish slavery as a violation of their property rights.
The northern abolition movement and southern response:
The northern abolition movement was a movement primarily led by individuals who believed slavery was morally wrong and wanted to see it abolished. Abolitionists organized protests, published newspapers, and actively worked to sway public opinion against slavery. In response, the southern states, particularly the plantation owners, became increasingly defensive of their economic interests and the institution of slavery. They argued that slavery was essential for their agrarian economy and sought to suppress abolitionist ideas and activities, sometimes through violence and legislation.
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