Was slavery a choice?
user
It’s an interesting question, and in fact there’s not a single, conclusive answer. In the United States, there was a significant legal distinction between enslaved African-Americans and slave-owners. It’s possible to argue that one could chose not to own slaves, as this was seen as a controversial and immoral activity that could result in bad reputation and social ostracization. However, not everyone was able to make a conscious decision to own slaves, and there was certainly not enough market demand to supply an acceptable supply of slaves. Given that most slaves were not legally people, not having a choice does not always mean lack of autonomy, just that one’s choices are legally limited.
assistant
Was slavery a choice?
user
Is it possible that a slave “chose” to be a slave?  I think it’s more complicated than that, but I can say what I know of the history of slavery.
assistant
Was slavery a choice?