Justifying Slavery
Slavery was not a new concept when the first slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. In fact, slavery was common practice throughout the history of the world, although in the past it more closely resembled indentured servitude. The South’s voracity and dependence on labor would transform slavery into an unprecedented institution. Abolitionists in the North argued against it, calling slavery morally reprehensible. However, pro-slavery arguments were so effective that it was not abolished until 1865, by the Thirteenth Amendment. […]