1. Creating a Social Hierarchy: Slaveholders often sought to create and reinforce a social hierarchy that placed white people, regardless of their economic status, above enslaved Black people. By promoting the idea that even the poorest white person was superior to enslaved Black people, slaveholders aimed to maintain their power and control over both groups.
2. Divide and Conquer: By convincing poor whites that slavery was in their best interest, slaveholders effectively prevented a potential alliance between enslaved Black people and poor white laborers. By instilling fear, resentment, and prejudice towards Black people, slaveholders ensured that poor whites remained loyal to the system that privileged them over enslaved people, even if they themselves faced economic hardships.
3. Economic Self-Interest: Maintaining the institution of slavery was essential to the economic prosperity of slaveholders. By convincing poor whites that their economic well-being was tied to the continuation of slavery, slaveholders could secure support for their economic interests and suppress any potential challenges to the system.
4. Cultural and Ideological Justifications: Slaveholders often relied on cultural and ideological arguments to justify slavery, such as the idea that Black people were inherently inferior and destined for servitude. These justifications were disseminated through various channels, including education, religious teachings, and cultural norms, and were used to shape public perception and convince poor whites that slavery was morally acceptable.
5. Limited Mobility and Opportunities: Poor whites in the South often had limited opportunities for social and economic mobility. Slaveholders exploited this situation by presenting slavery as a necessary means of maintaining social order and preventing competition for scarce resources. This helped to appease and contain the frustrations of poor whites while preserving the system of slavery.
By employing these strategies, slaveholders aimed to maintain their dominance and control in society, quell potential dissent or resistance from poor whites, and ensure the longevity of the slavery system.