Both the establishment and continuation of slavery were defended by various groups prior to the Civil War. One argument posited the ending of slavery would result in widespread unemployment in the South. Besides this potential economic impact, what potential social impacts of unemployment concerned defenders of slavery at that time?

Question

Both the establishment and continuation of slavery were defended by various groups prior to the Civil War. One argument posited the ending of slavery would result in widespread unemployment in the South. Besides this potential economic impact, what potential social impacts of unemployment concerned defenders of slavery at that time?
Responses
A	It would spark a mass exodus out of the United States.It would spark a mass exodus out of the United States.
B	It would lead to chaos caused by uprisings and anarchy.It would lead to chaos caused by uprisings and anarchy.
C	It would create crowding in colleges as former slaves enrolled.It would create crowding in colleges as former slaves enrolled.
D	It would cause a land shortage as people started their own farms.It would cause a land shortage as people started their own farms.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The correct response is:

B It would lead to chaos caused by uprisings and anarchy.

Defenders of slavery often argued that the sudden release of a large population of former slaves into society would lead to social instability, potential uprisings, and chaos, as they believed that the former enslaved population would be unable to integrate into society without jobs and support.