Ep 33. Southern Society and the Defense of Slavery

The History of the United States, 2nd Edition is a documentary television series that explores the most significant events and people that shaped the nation from its earliest days to the present day. In season 1 episode 33, titled "Southern Society and the Defense of Slavery," the series delves into the complicated and controversial issue of slavery and its impact on Southern society during the 19th century.

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the ways in which slavery shaped and defined the Southern economy, culture, and government. It examines the ideological underpinnings of the pro-slavery movement, including the belief in racial superiority and the notion that slavery was a necessary good for both African slaves and white slaveholders.

The episode also explores the various ways in which Southern society defended and justified the institution of slavery, including the use of religion and religion-based arguments to support pro-slavery beliefs. Additionally, it includes the history of the backlash against slavery and the rise of abolitionist sentiment in the North.

Through interviews with historians, experts, and scholars, the episode presents a comprehensive account of the complex and often contradictory forces that shaped Southern society and the defense of slavery. It highlights the role of prominent figures such as John C. Calhoun, James Henry Hammond, and Thomas Roderick Dew in articulating and promoting pro-slavery arguments, as well as the role of those who opposed slavery, including abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass.

Overall, "Southern Society and the Defense of Slavery" offers a nuanced and detailed exploration of one of the most important and contentious issues in American history. It provides an insightful and informative look at the ways in which slavery shaped and transformed Southern society and how this institution came to be defended and justified by its advocates despite strong opposition from those who believed in the value of human freedom and dignity.