Abolishing Slavery In Colonial America

During the Enlightenment, American colonies and established European countries faced the difficulties of shifting economic system, religious system, and a shift in mindset. The monarchs of the European countries used enlightened ideas in order to advance. Colonization was at its peak and the rise of mercantilism and the price revolution broke its breaks. Due to the shifting economic structure, slaves were utilized as an alternative to paid laborers. This however, was not reasonable from the perspective of the enlightened. They viewed it as unreasonable, selfish, and manipulative. The supporters of slavery argued that slaves were a necessity in the shifting economic structure. Supporters also argued that slavery wasn’t as severe as it was
French elites also explained why slavery was set in place and doubled down on their position. Raynal, a French author, wrote in his Essay that the climate and environment of Europe made men of this region unsuitable for the hot fields of the colonies. He claims that the mild climate would be easy for the slaves because they come from such an oppressive environment. This echos the concept of environmental determinism. He believed the climate contributed to the traits of people in the region. This train of thought can cause the racist ways Raynal thinks. He implies that slaves are there to work for whites and that’s how the social order should stay. (Doc. #6). A french delegate who spoke at the National Assembly, also believed that ending slavery would negatively impact the economy. He states that losing slavery would cause the economic bubble to bursts. He goes on to say that this would result in stagnation and would cripple the five million French citizens who’ve profited off this system. However, due to the delegate being French, a biased point of view emerges. He wants to keep slavery because this a large part of the power of France. (Doc. #10). Another delegate from France also gave a speech to the National Assembly. He claimed that the Rights of
They saw through the sugarcoating and propaganda and claimed it was selfish and manipulative institution. Slave owners argued that slaves were a necessity in a shifting economic structure. Supporters argued that slavery severe argued environmental determinism as a cause of slavery. Slavery was contradictory with the Bible, unequal, and unrepresentative. The supporters acted like the medieval mind and held unto old ideas, specifically of economic gain. Ultimately, all of the European countries would stop the selling of human beings and would shift to the discrimination of those human