The southerners justified slavery by citing biblical teachings, as well as the argument that African Americans were racially inferior and thus destined to servitude. The southerners believed that the institution of slavery was necessary to uphold their racial, societal, and economical structure, as the enslavement of African Americans provided free labor and maintained the existing racial hierarchy. Furthermore, they rationalized slavery from an economical standpoint, stating that it was crucial for their agricultural society and economic viability. Lastly, they argued that it was benevolent and protective as African Americans supposedly lived better under the southern's care versus free on their own.