What protected slaves from the worst forms of abuse?

Question

A. Slave codes prohibited it.
B. Slaves were considered to be valuable property.
C. Owners were fearful of slave rebellions.
D. Owners feared punishment from local authorities.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. Slaves were considered to be valuable property.

While slave codes and fears of rebellion or punishment from authorities did play roles in shaping the treatment of slaves, the primary reason that some slaves were protected from the worst forms of abuse was that they were seen as valuable property by their owners. Owners often sought to maintain their investment's health and productivity, which meant avoiding excessive harm or abuse that could impair a slave's ability to work.