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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 Bri... 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 played a pivotal role in the development of plantations, particularly in the southern colonies of British America. The demand for labor-intensive crops such as tobacco, rice, and cotton led to the establishment of large plantations that required a significant workforce. Enslaved Africans were forcibly imported to meet these labor demands, forming the backbone of the plantation economy. The use of slave labor not only increased productivity and profits for plantation owners but also shaped the social and economic structures of the region, reinforcing a system of wealth accumulation and social stratification based on race.
Furthermore, the reliance on slavery facilitated the rapid expansion of plantation agriculture, which in turn fueled trade growth with Europe and the Caribbean. As a result, slavery became an integral part of the economic framework, influencing policies and societal norms in British America.
Step 2
The importance of the Stamp Act (1765) for relations between Britain and America.
Answer
The Stamp Act of 1765 was significant in shaping the relationships between Britain and its American colonies. This legislation imposed a direct tax on a wide array of printed materials, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards. The reaction from the colonies was one of outrage, as it represented a shift towards direct taxation without representation. This ignited widespread protests and the formation of groups such as the Sons of Liberty, who actively resisted enforcement.
Moreover, the Stamp Act marked a turning point in colonial-British relations. It catalyzed a unifying movement among the colonies, leading to the formation of the Stamp Act Congress, where representatives argued for their rights. This sense of unity and collective resistance ultimately contributed to growing sentiments of independence, setting the stage for future conflicts that would culminate in the American Revolution. The resistance to the Stamp Act thus laid the groundwork for a broader questioning of British authority and governance in America.