The paternalistic ideology of the plantation elite
A) masked the harsher beliefs of rich planters concerning the inferiority of blacks and the importance of making money.
B) was nothing more than a myth advanced by southern writers.
C) was used to hide the belief by slaveowners that slavery was morally wrong.
D) was openly questioned by religious leaders in the South.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The paternalistic ideology of the plantation elite often served to mask the harsher beliefs of rich planters, such as the perceived inferiority of blacks and the economic motivations behind slavery. This ideology presented slaveowners as benevolent guardians, which helped justify the institution of slavery.

The Paternalistic Ideology of the Plantation Elite