The institution of slavery has existed throughout human history, although its configuration has continually transformed over time. Slavery played a major role in the United States because it was economically advantageous to the South. The American Civil War, partly over the issue of slavery, nearly brought the young nation to its knees, facing complete and utter destruction. Slavery played a central, albeit sinister, role in the development of the United States. The 55th governor of South Carolina, George McDuffie, had strong views in favor of the institution of slavery. He used his speech before the state legislature in 1835 to express his views on slavery and the justifications for that institution. McDuffie used religion as a means to legitimize slavery and continued to fight outside pressures to abolish the institution. McDuffie began by recognizing the rights of his state and the protection of its sovereignty against any foreign authority. Although he was probably targeting other countries, it seemed like he was primarily talking about the federal government. He went on to argue that outside pressures had undermined South Carolina's peace and stability and that it was essential that the state retain its autonomy. This is an example of how the view of slavery began to change and the institution began to attract enormous criticism. McDuffie viewed the past as justification and believed that the institution of slavery was in accordance with God's will. He said black people best fit into the category of slavery. He justified his belief in Judaism and Christianity by emphasizing that "the patriarchs themselves, these chosen instruments of God, were slave owners." The governor...... middle of paper ......f the institution, due to the need to preserve social classes. George McDuffie attempted to legitimize slavery by looking back to the history of humanity with the institution of slavery and determining the necessity of it in an unjust world, a world that needed proper structure. McDuffie's views indicate that the South was trying to maintain the institution of slavery, while the rest of the nation and the world began to denounce this institution. Thus, it appears that more criticism of slavery leads to more defensive approaches from its supporters. McDuffie's speech highlighted the rift that began to divide the nation and would eventually lead to Civil War. Works Cited McDuffie, George. “The natural slavery of the Negro.” Natural Slavery of Negro (January 10, 2009): 1. Primary research, EBSCOhost (accessed September 12, 2011).