X. Happiness or unhappiness of slaves.
Is it considered a great evil for one’s self or one’s friends to fall into slavery?[29] Instances of suicide to escape from [[435]]slavery[30]. In many cases it is not slavery as such, but sale to distant regions that is felt as a great calamity. We may mention here the curious phenomenon of people captured and enslaved by the enemy or sold abroad, being on their return despised or even repelled by their former countrymen[31].
XI. Consequences of slavery.
1º Influence of slavery on the social organization of the tribe. A slave-owner, having labour forces at his command and being supported by a body of followers, is more likely to attain wealth and consideration than the other freemen. And as in those countries, where the slave trade is developed, the keeping of slaves may soon become a privilege of the rich[32], slavery furthers the divergence of the rich and the poor, of the nobles and the common people.
2º Connected with this is the influence of slavery on the development of the military principle. The ruling classes, having learned to command their slaves, are more capable of commanding the people.
3º Influence of slavery on the laws and customs regulating marriage, and on sexual morality at large. Female slaves serving as concubines[33].
4º Influence of slavery on the condition of free women. When there are many domestic slaves, free women are no longer overtaxed with work[34]. [[436]]
5º Influence of slavery on warfare. As soon as captives are regularly enslaved, the cruel modes of treating captives which may have formerly existed disappear. On the other hand, when the procuring of slaves becomes an object of warfare, war becomes much more frequent than before[35].
6º Influence of slavery on the development of the political power of the tribe. Slavery “creates a set of persons born to work that others may not work, and not to think in order that others may think. Therefore slave-owning nations, having time to think, are likely to be more shrewd in policy, and more crafty in strategy”[36].
7º Slavery has a great influence on morality at large, in a good as well as in a bad sense.