Pro-slavery refers to individuals, groups, or policies that support and advocate for the institution of slavery. They believe in the legality and morality of owning enslaved people.
Related terms
Abolitionist: An abolitionist is someone who actively opposes and seeks to abolish slavery. They fight for the liberation and equal rights of enslaved individuals.
Fugitive Slave Act: The Fugitive Slave Act was a law passed in 1850 that required all citizens to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves. It heightened tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
Missouri Compromise: The Missouri Compromise was an agreement reached in 1820 that admitted Missouri as a slave state while also maintaining the balance between free and slave states by admitting Maine as a free state. It temporarily eased tensions over the expansion of slavery into new territories.