Final answer:
False. In the late 1830s, the South's proslavery argument did indeed assert that slavery was vital for economic prosperity and cultural advancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
During this period, proslavery proponents constructed an ideological framework that justified slavery as a positive force in society. They argued that enslaving individuals of African descent was a natural condition, beneficial for both the enslaved and the enslavers. Economically, they claimed that the plantation system, heavily reliant on enslaved labor, was crucial for the region's prosperity, especially in cotton production. Additionally, proponents argued that slavery was a civilizing force, alleging that it provided a means of educating and Christianizing the enslaved population.
These beliefs were entrenched in the South's societal fabric, becoming a fundamental part of its political and economic structure. However, this viewpoint was fiercely debated in the North, where abolitionist movements were gaining momentum, challenging the ethical and moral foundations of the proslavery argument.
Correct Answer: False