October 28, 1846

GREENE, Alabama

Slavery, Antebellum America, Paternalism

Slavery is anathema, but it was not always so.  It was quite possible for well-meaning and rational people to practice and defend the “peculiar institution.”  Slaveholders sustained themselves with the firm conviction that they were doing right by the poor, benighted souls in their charge.  In this way, masters could claim they were compassionate angels of mercy--providing discipline, moral...