Dbq Opposition To Slavery

DBQ on opposition to slavery 1776-1852 The years from 1776-1852 was period of growth and change for the newly established United States and one thing that seemed determine to change was slavery. The establishment of slavery had existed in America for longer than the country itself and up to this point in history the question of slavery had been avoided but the economy shifting towards industrialization and a political climate that was becoming increasingly stratified primed society for a confrontation of the issue. Though eventually abolished through the civil war, slavery would leave marks on the country that still influence modern society. The opposition to slavery that would lead to this revolution of sorts began to grow because of increasing religious fervor, ethical awareness promoted by those advocating human rights, as well as political motivation. One of the factors that played into the growing opposition to slavery was the increased religious interest that was especially present in the north. States that were among the first to emancipate slaves were usually places with a high concentration of churches

The north was becoming increasingly industrial whereas the south still relied on a primarily agrarian lifestyle. This growing shift caused northerners to regard slavery as necessary and even detrimental to their own interests. The Free Soil movement was one such group that was against slavery but for personal and not moral or religious reasons. David Wilmot, a prominent Free Soiler, made this clear in a speech to Congress. He said that did not feel any sympathy or moral obligation to the slave but was against slavery because of the threat it presented to white labor (doc H). Free-soilers believed that slavery was unfair competition to white farmers in the south and so in a strange way, were against slavery but hated the