Why were white people more important than black in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, white people were often considered more important than black individuals due to systemic racism and colonialism that reinforced social hierarchies. Enslavement and the exploitation of Black people were prevalent, particularly in the Americas, where they were denied basic human rights and freedoms. This societal structure was justified by pseudoscientific beliefs in racial superiority, leading to widespread discrimination and oppression that favored white people in terms of power, wealth, and social status.