Many southerners in the Upper South held religious beliefs and moral qualms about the institution of slavery. They felt that slavery contradicted Christian principles of equality and human compassion. Religious denominations such as the Methodists, Quakers, and Presbyterians were particularly critical of slavery and played a vital role in the anti-slavery movement.
2. Economic Concerns:
Some southerners in the Upper South argued that slavery was not economically viable. They pointed out that the enslaved workforce often required significant investment in housing, healthcare, and food, which reduced profits. Additionally, the reliance on a single crop (cotton) made the southern economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market.
3. Fear of Slave Revolts:
The Nat Turner rebellion of 1831, in which enslaved people in Virginia organized an uprising, sent shockwaves across the South. This heightened the fear of slave revolts and led many southerners to question the stability and safety of an economy centered around slavery.
4. Competition with the North:
The Upper South faced economic competition from the industrializing North. Some southerners believed that an over-reliance on slave labor put them at a disadvantage compared to the more mechanized and efficient Northern economy. They argued that slavery limited the region's ability to diversify its economy and embrace advancements in technology.
5. Philosophical Views:
A small minority of southerners were influenced by Enlightenment ideas that emphasized individual liberty and equality. These individuals, such as Thomas Jefferson and John Randolph of Roanoke, held contradictory views on slavery while acknowledging its moral contradictions. However, their criticism had limited impact due to the social and political pressure to conform to the prevalent pro-slavery sentiment.
It's important to note that the majority of southerners, especially in the Deep South, supported slavery and defended it vehemently. The abolitionist and anti-slavery movements were mostly centered in the North, although a small number of southerners did openly criticize slavery, sometimes at great personal risk.