Final answer:
Slavery shaped how America is today by impacting the economy, society, and politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slavery had a profound and lasting impact on how America is today. The institution of slavery shaped America economically, socially, and politically. Economically, slavery played a major role in the success of industries such as agriculture and mining by providing a cheap source of labor. Socially, slavery created a deeply entrenched system of racial inequality that continues to have ramifications today. Politically, the issue of slavery was a major factor in the lead-up to the Civil War, highlighting the deep divisions within the country. Overall, slavery had a lasting legacy on America that still influences many aspects of society to this day.