Southern Point of View
Peter Owens was a slaveowner, but he treated his slaves with kindness and respect. He thought that if they ever were without a master, his slaves would feel helpless. "Let us think of the fate of my slaves if I were to grant them their freedom. Most would feel I was punishing them. They would not know where to go or what to do. They would be helpless in life's harsh tide" (Peter Owens).
Peter Owens felt that if he did treat his slaves considerately, for example: kept them clothed and fed, that they would work better. That they wouldn't want to run away.
Similarly George Fitzhugh said,"We provide for each slaves, in old age and in infancy, in sickness and in health, not according to his labour, but according to his wants. There is no rivalry and no competion to get employment among slaves as among free labourers. Nor is there a war between master and slave" (George Fitzhugh). He is basically saying that the slave masters are kind and they help their slaves in times of need. That they give them what they want. And that there is no competition what-so-ever to buy more slaves.
When the cotton gin was invented (*See "slave's point of view page") It made cleaning the cotton easier to sell. The South didn't really need all of the factories and textiles like the North because they sold and bought all their commodities from Europe.
My analysis: I think that just because you're kind and respectful to your slaves, doesn't mean that it is an acceptable thing to do. In addition, I also highly disagree with George Fitzhugh as he says they provide for their slaves in sickness and in health. Most of the slave owners weren't that kind to their slaves.
Peter Owens felt that if he did treat his slaves considerately, for example: kept them clothed and fed, that they would work better. That they wouldn't want to run away.
Similarly George Fitzhugh said,"We provide for each slaves, in old age and in infancy, in sickness and in health, not according to his labour, but according to his wants. There is no rivalry and no competion to get employment among slaves as among free labourers. Nor is there a war between master and slave" (George Fitzhugh). He is basically saying that the slave masters are kind and they help their slaves in times of need. That they give them what they want. And that there is no competition what-so-ever to buy more slaves.
When the cotton gin was invented (*See "slave's point of view page") It made cleaning the cotton easier to sell. The South didn't really need all of the factories and textiles like the North because they sold and bought all their commodities from Europe.
My analysis: I think that just because you're kind and respectful to your slaves, doesn't mean that it is an acceptable thing to do. In addition, I also highly disagree with George Fitzhugh as he says they provide for their slaves in sickness and in health. Most of the slave owners weren't that kind to their slaves.