The document provides a thesis statement on the reasons why slavery was supported in the past. The thesis argues that slavery was supported because it made enormous profits for owners, but emancipating slaves could only be done through war. If slaves succeeded in rebelling, it could encourage changing social class structures. The thesis provides three pieces of evidence to support this: slaves were transported like animals, punishment for wrongdoing was severe whipping, and owners feared large-scale rebellions. The civil war ultimately ended slavery through bloody conflict rather than immediate peaceful means.