Slave owners were individuals or families who legally owned enslaved people, primarily in the United States before the Civil War. They often used enslaved labor for agricultural work, particularly on plantations that produced crops like cotton and tobacco. The practice was rooted in economic interests and social hierarchies that devalued the humanity of enslaved individuals. The institution of slavery was supported by laws and cultural norms that justified the ownership of people. Many slave owners believed in the superiority of their race and viewed enslaved individuals as property rather than human beings. This mindset contributed to the systemic oppression and exploitation of millions throughout history.