Southerners made several arguments in defense of slavery, including:
1. Economic argument: They argued that slavery was essential for the economy of the South, particularly in agriculture, and that the loss of slavery would devastate the region's economy.
2. Racial argument: They believed that African Americans were inferior to whites and that slavery was a necessary institution to maintain order and control over a population they deemed as inferior.
3. Historical argument: They argued that slavery was a longstanding institution that had been practiced for centuries and was part of the social fabric of the South.
However, these arguments are not valid for several reasons:
1. Economic argument: While slavery may have been profitable for some slave owners, it came at a great cost to the enslaved people and their families, who were forced to work under brutal and inhumane conditions. Additionally, the Southern economy was heavily reliant on slavery because it was structured that way, and there were alternatives that could have been developed if slavery was abolished.
2. Racial argument: This argument is inherently flawed because it is based on the false belief in racial superiority. The idea that one group of people is inherently inferior to another based on their race has been thoroughly debunked by science and is morally indefensible.
3. Historical argument: While slavery may have been a longstanding institution, this does not make it morally right. Just because something has been practiced for a long time does not mean it is just or fair.
In conclusion, the arguments made by Southerners in defense of slavery were not valid because they were based on flawed beliefs and were morally unjustifiable. The true cost of slavery is measured not only in economic terms but also in the human suffering and the loss of basic human rights and dignity.