- Slavery violated fundamental human rights and moral principles, such as the belief in the equality and freedom of all people.
- Slavery treated individuals as property rather than as human beings and denied them basic dignity and autonomy.
Economic consequences
- Slavery created an unfair economic system that depended on the exploitation of enslaved individuals for profit.
- It hindered the development of a free labor market and the growth of a more equitable economy.
Social and political concerns
- Slavery perpetuated racial discrimination, segregation, and social injustice, leading to deep divisions and conflicts within society.
- The institution of slavery threatened the principles of democracy and republicanism as it concentrated power in the hands of slaveholders and undermined the ideals of equality and liberty for all.
International considerations
- The abolitionist movement was influenced by broader global trends, such as the rise of humanitarianism and the growing opposition to slavery in other parts of the world.
- Abolitionists argued that the United States had a moral responsibility to end slavery and align with the values of human rights and progress.