Photo AI
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 crucial role in the economic development of plantations in British America, particularly in the Southern colonies. The labor-intensive nature of crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo necessitated a steady and reliable workforce, which enslaved Africans provided. This system not only ensured high productivity but also allowed plantation owners to amass significant wealth, thereby reinforcing the economic dependency on slavery. The establishment of slave codes also institutionalized the system of slavery, creating a social structure that prioritized the interests of planters over the rights of enslaved people.
Step 2
The importance of the Enlightenment for cultural development in British America.
Answer
The Enlightenment significantly influenced cultural development in British America by promoting ideas of reason, science, and individual rights. Philosophers such as John Locke and Benjamin Franklin encouraged critical thinking and skepticism of traditional authority. This intellectual movement laid the groundwork for religious freedom, democratic governance, and educated discourse in society. Educational institutions flourished, leading to a more informed populace, which in turn played a pivotal role in the American Revolution as colonists began to challenge British imperial rule.