Final answer:
Slaves in the colonies provided labor for industries such as tobacco, rice, and cotton production. The three main causes of slavery were economic, social, and racial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of slaves in the life of the colonies was to provide labor for various industries such as tobacco, rice, indigo, cotton, and sugar production. They were considered property and were forced to work under often harsh and brutal conditions.
The three main causes of slavery were economic, social, and racial.
- Economic: Slavery was driven by the need for cheap labor to maximize profits in industries such as agriculture and mining.
- Social: The belief in racial superiority and the desire for power and control led to the establishment and perpetuation of slavery.
- Racial: Racism and the dehumanization of Africans played a significant role in justifying slavery and treating slaves as property.