Economic Benefits: The plantation economy in the Southern states heavily relied on slave labor for crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar. Slavery allowed plantation owners to maximize profits by exploiting the free labor of enslaved individuals, leading to the expansion of the institution in the South.
Political Power: The plantation owners and their supporters held significant political power in the Southern states. They used their influence to protect and promote the institution of slavery, passing laws that restricted the rights of enslaved people and prevented their emancipation.
Cultural and Societal Norms: Slavery was deeply ingrained in the cultural and societal fabric of the South. Many white Southerners believed in the racial inferiority of Black people and saw slavery as a necessary means of maintaining social order and preserving their way of life.
Lack of Effective Opposition: The abolitionist movement, which opposed slavery, faced significant resistance and challenges in the South. Pro-slavery sentiments were prevalent, and those who spoke out against slavery faced threats and persecution.
Compromises and Political Expediency: The federal government's compromises, such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the Missouri Compromise, allowed slavery to continue and even expand in certain territories and states. Political expediency often took precedence over moral considerations, contributing to the preservation of slavery in the Southern states.