What did James Henry Hammond argue regarding slavery?

James Henry Hammond was a prominent pro-slavery politician and advocate in the 19th century who is best known for his speeches and writings defending slavery as a positive institution. He argued that slavery was beneficial not only for the South's economy but also for the enslaved individuals themselves, whom he believed were provided with a stable and secure lifestyle. Hammond went so far as to claim that enslaved people lived better lives than free laborers in the North, asserting that they were cared for by their masters rather than left to fend for themselves without guidance.

This argument was rooted in his broader belief in the racial and social hierarchies of his time, where he viewed slavery as a natural and civilizing force. Hammond's rhetoric was part of a larger attempt to justify the institution of slavery and to promote the notion that it was a necessary part of society, contributing to a stable social order. In his view, this stability was advantageous not just for the plantation owners but also for the enslaved individuals themselves, whom he believed benefited from the conditions of slavery. This framework of thinking was a cornerstone of pro-slavery ideology during Hammond’s era.