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I have read--years ago--that Virginia came within several votes in its legislature from abolishing slavery back in 1831.

Anyway, what if Virginia would have abolished slavery in 1831? Would this have strengthened abolitionism throughout the South? Or would this have only made Southern U.S. states more paranoid about abolitionism and thus more determined to resist this?

Also, would Virginia have been less racist in the late 19th century and beyond had it abolished slavery back in 1831?

Any thoughts on all of this?
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