Examine the arguments that were made for and against slavery in the United States during the period.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of arguments used by those opposed to slavery and those in favour of slavery during the studied period. Candidates may offer equal coverage of both sides of the debate or they may prioritize their discussion of the arguments. Abolitionists’ arguments included the immorality and brutality of slavery; the dichotomy between American ideas of freedom and equality and slavery; the economic stagnation that it caused the South. Pro-slavery arguments from the period included historical and biblical justification; constitutional recognition of slavery; scientific justification of racial inferiority; the social justification that slaves were being provided for, which they couldn’t do themselves. While other relevant arguments could be included, such as maintaining or diminishing the power of slavocracy, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.