Economic debates over slavery abounded during the 1840's. As abolitionist sentiment grew, much attention began to be focused on whether slavery was beneficial or detrimental to the American economy. The argument was based largely on the concept of free versus slave labor. Free labor, argued anti-slavery groups, would be more economically sound in that it would encourage competition and foreign investment, as well as acting as a lure for immigrants. The anti-slavery economic debate largely centered around the notion that slavery was actually a detriment to the economy of Southern states. In this way, slavery discouraged competition and did not allow for free and open trade with northern, anti-slavery states and businesses.
Religious arguments for and against slavery were also a primary justification for their beliefs. Questions concerning the morality of slavery have plagued many an American. Some abolitionists argued that slavery was a sin. They supported their beliefs with the Ten Commandments in which it is stated that they must love their neighbor. This applied this principal to their opinions and decided that it would be breaking the commandment if they were to own another being and subject them to the conditions of slavery. And thus they saw slavery as an affront to Christianity and a sin, and that slave-holders need to abolish slavery in order to save their souls and be saved from hell.
Abolitionists also used the Constitution to support their claims. For example, they took the phrase “all men are created equal” and interpreted it to mean that all men, including slaves, are equal under the Constitution. In reference to the new territories, abolitionists claimed that slavery laws, while legally binding in the states in which they were enacted, are merely local laws and have no bearing or legality in the new territories. Thus, abolitionists supported their beliefs through their interpretation of the Constitution.
Both abolitionists and anti-Abolitionists held the belief that their opinions, although differing, would benefit all. Abolitionists believed that the Constitution supported the emancipation of slaves, that the Bible condemned the institution of slavery, and that the economy would prosper through the deletion of slavery. Those who supported slavery held the contrary belief that the bible and the Constitution supported slavery and that the economy would fail with the abolishment of slavery. Both groups held the Constitution accountable for the support for their beliefs.
