Actually the truth is that some states had Laws against teaching slaves to read. And the truth is that the South was completely under the thumb of the large slave holders who could care less about the "white trash" soon to be dying ignomeneously and stupidly to preserve the aristocrats' power.
While it is also true that the typical owner did not mistreat his slaves (how dumb is that when they were worth a couple of grand each?) but the slaves escaped at every opportunity. Why would they have run away from such wonderful massas?
The truth doesn't matter to the Defenders of Slaverocracy (D.S.) but to the rest of us it matters a great deal. You won't find much of it coming from those who still insist that treason was justifiable and twist and turn to make Lincoln a monster rather than the greatest American after George. George would have totally condemned the actions of the South's leaders as would Madison, and Jefferson. THAT is the Truth.
I agree with you 100%. Politics in the South was dominated by the large plantation owners. And I know that many slaves were taught to read by the masters, usually the mistress of the house, usually in secret at night. Not only were the actions of such people kindly and well motivated -- it was a very brave thing to do.
I have traveled all through the South and found the people are amazing. They are so very warm, friendly and hospitable. The only city I did not enjoy was Washington D.C. (I know, that it is considered a Northern City). It was a sickening taste of everything that may have been wrong with the South during the 1850's. Nuff said about that.
Slavery failed because people desire to be free. The desire for freedom is fundamental to the human condition. Think that if I had been a slave, I would have attempted to escape too. Just human nature.
By the way, took a peek at your short c.v. and it was pretty impressive. U. of Chicago is one the very, very best. Used to live in South Bend, IN just a sort drive away. Know Chi Town pretty well but have been stuck out here on the left coast since 1981. Used to sneak away from law school and go out to watch the Cubbies. Then have dinner at a couple of great places (vaguely recall the name of the 'Bread Factory,' but that was over twenty years ago).