Question

American slavery flourished for many reasons, especially among the Chesapeake planters. Identify the statements that describe why Chesapeake planters found African slaves more suitable as a source of labor compared to indentured servants.a. Slaves' terms never expired.

b. The children of slaves had no rights and, therefore, also became slaves.

c. Slaves cost more than indentured servants, and the high death rate among tobacco workers made it economically unappealing to pay for a lifetime of labor. As a result, for decades, servants from England formed the backbone of the Chesapeake labor force. As the death rate began to fall, it became more economical to purchase a laborer for life.

d. Slaves were more resistant to epidemics than natives were.

Answer 1

Chesapeake planters preferred African slaves over indentured servants as slaves offered a permanent and self-renewing labor force that was more resistant to diseases, which was crucial given the high death rates among Europeans.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chesapeake planters found African slaves more suitable as a source of labor compared to indentured servants for several reasons:

Slaves' terms never expired. Unlike indentured servants who worked for a limited period, slaves were considered a permanent source of labor.

The children of slaves had no rights and also became slaves, ensuring a self-renewing labor force without additional costs.

Slaves were considered more resistant to diseases compared to Europeans, making them a more reliable workforce in the face of epidemics that affected the region.

As indentured servitude became less practical due to high death rates and limited service terms, Chattel slavery took hold, effectively forming the backbone of the labor force in the Chesapeake region, particularly in the colonies of Virginia and Maryland.

Answer 2

Answer: C. Slaves cost more than indentured servants, and the high death rate among tobacco workers made it economically unappealing to pay for a lifetime of labor. As a result, for decades, servants from England formed the backbone of the Chesapeake labor force. As the death rate began to fall, it became more economical to purchase a laborer for life.