The Right of American Slavery

"The Right of American Slavery" by T. W. Hoit is a contentious declaration supporting slavery, released in the years before the American Civil War. The book serves as a defense of slavery, grounded in the author's conviction that people of African descent are inferior to those of European ancestry. Hoit claims slavery is both morally correct and required for societal stability, and is for the benefit of society by safeguarding and elevating the lives of alleged uncivilized people. He argues that some groups have both the right and the duty to control and "civilize" those seen as less advanced, using history and current examples for support. He argues against freeing slaves, seeing it as an ethical lapse that would destroy society should slavery be disregarded. Hoit's reasoning highlights a powerful ideology of prejudice that aims to validate and preserve slavery, while at the same time cautioning against the risks of social and political equality for African Americans.