Final answer:
Pro-slavery arguments included paternalism, economic dependency on slavery for the cotton trade, and the belief that slavery was a positive good for society. These arguments distorted the truth of slavery's brutality and ignored the resistance and culture developed by the enslaved, as well as the principles of liberty and equality foundational to the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout history, proponents of slavery have offered various justifications for the institution. Among the major arguments put forward by proslavery advocates were:
- Paternalism: This argument posited that slaveholders acted in the best interest of slaves, providing care, discipline, and moral and religious education. This was a gross misrepresentation of the brutal realities of slavery.
- Economic Dependency: Some southerners argued that their region’s economic strength, largely derived from the cotton trade, relied on slave labor. They believed this allowed the South to be independent, even though in reality it made them more dependent on international markets.
- Positive Good Theory: Later arguments shifted from slavery being a necessary evil to being a positive good for society. It was claimed that slavery benefited all, including the enslaved, who were allegedly 'better off' under slavery's care and exposed to Christianity than if they were free.
These views fail to acknowledge the dehumanizing and traumatic experiences of the enslaved, and historical evidence runs counter to these claims, showing that enslaved people actively resisted their conditions and fought to develop their own communities and cultures. Moreover, the ideals set forth in the founding documents of the United States, like equality and liberty, stand in stark contrast to the institution of slavery.