Slavery Argument Analysis

Slavery had a major impact on society in the 1800’s. Since the slaves were different in color, intellect, and origin, many individuals such as John C. Calhoun and George Fitzhugh, had no problem with treating blacks like property. However, with religious, political, and general arguments, others like Theodore D. Weld and Henry David Thoreau, felt that slavery was downright unacceptable and inhumane. This subject was a key argument in many debates, which have shaped the way our society is run. Southern senator, John C. Calhoun, believes that slavery is not corrupt, but is suitable in society, saying that it will free the South from dangers caused by free slaves. He implies that free slaves would clash with the white men and cause conflict harmful to the United States. Calhoun goes into explaining this as the reason as to why the south had fewer issues than
Weld believes that slaves were treated exceedingly cruel due to the fact that they are overworked, malnourished, and sleep deprived. This is no way a human should live, no matter who they are. We now know that his statements that they are branded, mangled, or even burned to death are all true. His argument is reasonable and he bluntly stated his argument in an appropriate way. James G. Birney, another anti-slavery advocate, uses religion to argue his point. He states that slavery is as sinful as “murder or blasphemy, or incest or adultery.” Comparing slavery to such acts in a religious manner is reasonable, however, Birney has a clear argument that will cause controversy in the south, since they think the Bible shows that God agreed with it. The Declaration of the American Anti-Slavery Society seemed reasonable due to the authoritative appearance. However, it would not be effective in an abolitionism side of the argument. Henry David Thoreau addresses the government on forcing individuals to be inequitable and suggests that they should break the law to do the right