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Explain two of the following: - The importance of slavery for the development of plantations - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain two of the following: - The importance of slavery for the development of plantations. - The importance of the Enlightenment for cultural development in Brit... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain two of the following: - The importance of slavery for the development of plantations - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
The importance of slavery for the development of plantations.
Answer
Slavery was crucial for the development of plantations in British America, primarily due to the labor-intensive nature of cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and sugar. The transatlantic slave trade provided a vast supply of enslaved individuals who were forcibly brought to work on these plantations. This system not only helped boost the colonial economy but also facilitated the growth of plantation societies that relied on enslaved labor.
Moreover, the reliance on slavery established social hierarchies and economic structures that would have long-lasting effects on American society. The profits generated from these plantations were integral in supporting the burgeoning colonial economy, leading to increased investment and trade.
Step 2
The importance of the Enlightenment for cultural development in British America.
Answer
The Enlightenment was significant for cultural development in British America by introducing new ideas about governance, individual rights, and reason. Thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu influenced colonial leaders, fostering a spirit of inquiry and debate. This intellectual movement encouraged colonists to question traditional authority and advocate for self-governance and democratic principles.
Additionally, the Enlightenment helped establish important institutions such as libraries and universities, fostering education and intellectual discourse. The spread of ideas such as liberty and justice laid the groundwork for the American Revolution, as these concepts became central to the colonists' aspirations for independence.