Final answer:
The slave trade and free labor had a significant impact on America's economy, but it was not the sole factor in its richness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slave trade and free labor played a significant role in shaping America's economy. The forced labor of enslaved Africans provided immense wealth to the Southern economy through the plantation system, which produced cash crops like cotton and tobacco. This contributed to the overall economic growth of the country. However, it is important to note that the exploitation of human beings through slavery was not the sole factor in America's economic prosperity, as there were other industries, innovations, and resources that also contributed to its riches.
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