Final answer:
The type of life a slave could expect was influenced by geographic location and the local culture of slavery, which affected their work quotas, roles, and integration into society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biggest factor in determining the type of life a slave could expect was largely influenced by the geographic location and the culture of slavery in that particular region. Slaves on plantations faced backbreaking labor with expectations to fulfill high work quotas, often under the threat of physical punishment. An enslaved person's life was also dependent on their role; some were laborers, craftspeople, or domestic servants, and a very few could be educated and attain positions like clerks or accountants. In African societies, slaves could sometimes integrate into the household or community, participating in the economy, owning property, and even having their status improved through marriage or acquisition of skills. However, slavery in the New World, especially on plantations, was characterized by brutal conditions, shorter lifespans due to poor health and malnutrition, and a lack of humanitarian considerations, demonstrating a fundamental shift from the way slavery was traditionally practiced in Africa.