Question

Why were English criminals brought to the American colonies?

A. They had experience in putting down rebellions.
B. They provided labor at a lower cost than slaves.
OC. They were trained in the use of machines.
D. They were required to do missionary work.

Answer 1

English criminals were brought to the American colonies as they provided cheap labor compared to slaves.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B. English criminals were brought to the American colonies because they provided labor at a lower cost than slaves.

During the colonial period, the British government saw an opportunity to alleviate prison overcrowding in England by sending convicts to the colonies. By using convicts as a source of cheap labor, the colonies could benefit economically without having to pay the higher costs associated with slaves.

For example, in the early 18th century, Georgia was settled by James Oglethorpe as a debtor colony where prisoners could repay their debts through labor. This practice was then adopted by other colonies.

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