Final answer:
During the Civil War Era, defenders of slavery argued for its economic necessity and its constitutional protection, while detractors of slavery focused on the moral wrongness and the violation of human rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Civil War Era, both defenders and detractors of slavery put forth arguments to support their respective positions. Defenders of slavery argued that it was necessary for the Southern economy and that it was supported by the Constitution. They also claimed that abolitionists threatened the stability and unity of the nation. Detractors of slavery, on the other hand, argued that slavery was morally wrong, violated the principles of equality and liberty, and perpetuated the mistreatment and oppression of enslaved individuals.
One of the key arguments put forward by pro-slavery advocates was that slavery was essential for the Southern economy. They believed that the economic prosperity of the South relied heavily on the labor-intensive cultivation of crops such as cotton, tobacco, and rice. They argued that without slavery, the Southern states would suffer economically.
Another argument presented by defenders of slavery was that it was supported by the Constitution. They claimed that the Constitution protected the rights of slaveholders and recognized slaves as property. They argued that any attempts to restrict or abolish slavery were unconstitutional and infringed upon the property rights of slaveholders.
Detractors of slavery countered these arguments by highlighting the moral implications of slavery. They argued that slavery was a violation of fundamental human rights and went against the principles of equality and liberty espoused by the American Revolution. They emphasized that every individual, regardless of their race, should be entitled to freedom and basic human dignity.
In conclusion, during the Civil War Era, defenders of slavery argued for its economic necessity and its constitutional protection, while detractors of slavery focused on the moral wrongness and the violation of human rights. Both sides presented compelling arguments from their respective perspectives, but ultimately, the abolitionists' stance against slavery prevailed with the Emancipation Proclamation and the eventual end of slavery in the United States.