Southern vs. Northern How and Why Did

Southern vs. Northern

How and why did Southern and Northern white people differ over slavery?

The biggest reasons why Southerners and Northerners had different opinions on slavery was based on the frequency of the practice. In many Northern areas, this was not common as there were tremendous amounts of industrial development taking place. This reduced the need for having additional human labor. (Danver, 2011)

Moreover, many people in the North felt that slavery was immoral. This is because the Constitution stated how everyone is supposed to be created equal. Yet, slavery was allowed to exist in certain parts of the country. For a larger number of people, these kinds of practices had to be stopped. This was the only way that American society could live in accordance with it values and traditions. (Danver, 2011)

While Southerners did not think that slavery was immoral. The reason why, is they felt that these practices were encouraged in the Bible, with many societies using them throughout history. At the same time, the Southern economy was dependent upon the production of cotton. Since the cotton gin was first discovered, slavery became a more common way to sustain this system. If it was abolished, many feared that they would no longer have a means of supporting themselves. (Danver, 2011)

As a result, the differences in views of slavery were based upon economic and ethical realities. This is what created even more animosity going forward, as these changes were causing shifts in society. When this happened, there were clashes between different groups that supported technological advancements and those maintaining the status quo (which resulted in conflicting attitudes). (Danver, 2011)

On what did white people of both regions agree and disagree about race and slavery?

The way that both regions agreed with the issue of slavery was surrounding its morality. What was happening is there were extreme forces on both sides. However, it was the mainstream, who did not feel that it was wrong. A good example of this can be seen with Abraham Lincoln when he was running for President. Although he claimed to be against slavery, he did not think that the practice was wrong. After spending time with Frederick Douglas (a former slave and author) is when he began to see the immorality of it. This is the point that his views changed, with him becoming against slavery and in favor of equality for everyone. (Fehrenbacher, 1981)

These opinions were common among many in American society. As they may have been against certain practices, yet they did not believe deep down that they were all together wrong. When this happened, it caused the mainstream to see African-Americans as not U.S. citizens (under the law). Therefore, one could argue that these beliefs are what made extremists more emboldened in their causes. (Fehrenbacher, 1981)