By the mid-1800s southern defenders of slavery argued that the institution was not exploitive; it was because blacks were taught disciplined work and were saved by christianity

The answer is civilizing. In the midst of the mid-1800s, southern defenders of slavery discussed that the organization was not oppressive; it was civilizing for the reason that blacks or the African Americans were being trained to be disciplined workers and being disciplined at work and they were also saved by Christianity.

b, public works good luck