Cotton is King, and Pro-Slavery Arguments

In «Cotton is King, and Pro-Slavery Arguments,» a compilation of essays and pamphlets from the antebellum period, various authors passionately advocate for slavery as an institution vital to America's economic prosperity. The text employs a blend of rhetorical techniques, including appeals to economic necessity and moral righteousness, forming a controversial narrative that positions slavery as a benevolent system. This volume situates itself within the larger context of 19th-century American literature, where pro-slavery arguments and economic theories converged, ultimately revealing the deep-seated beliefs that supported the Southern way of life, despite the burgeoning abolitionist movement. The authors of this anthology represent a spectrum of Southern voices, including politicians, economists, and social theorists, each articulating their perspectives formed by the socio-political climate of their time. Their arguments are informed by a range of influences, from the economic dependency on cotton cultivation to misplaced biblical justifications, reflecting a society grappling with its moral compass against a backdrop of rapid change and conflict. This volume elucidates how these voices not only defended slavery but also attempted to redefine social hierarchies and economic systems in a changing America. «Cotton is King, and Pro-Slavery Arguments» is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the historical complexities surrounding American slavery. It offers invaluable insights into the justifications employed by proponents of slavery and challenges contemporary readers to confront the roots of systemic inequality. This book serves as a critical lens through which to examine the enduring legacies of these arguments in modern discussions about race, economics, and ethics.