By what means did Southern planters hope to control the slave labor force while justifying the “peculiar institution” to themselves and to the...

Southern slave owners tried to control their labor force primarily through exploitation, torture, false promises, and possibly death. Slaves stayed on plantations for fear for their safety or the safety of their family members. Slave owners would torture or abuse slaves to serve as an example to other slaves. Other slave owners would promise slaves their freedom, after they had worked so many hours on the plantation. However, the slave owners had no intention of freeing the slaves. Slaves were also controlled through exploitation, including sexual exploitation.

Exploitation of the slaves led to outrage by abolitionists who called for an end to slavery. Abolitionists felt that slavery was a blemish on American culture. Abolitionists assisted slaves in their escape from the South. The Fugitive Slave Laws were enacted, which prevented a slave owner from reclaiming an escaped slave. Slaves also held rebellions on plantations. Slaves would also resist orders as a means of fighting back against slavery.