Discuss the reasons for, and origins of, slavery in the New World.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and origins of, slavery in the New World. As origins, candidates may refer to the European or transatlantic slave trade, which began around 1500, during the early period of European discoveries, when slaves were often captured in raids or purchased from African kingdoms; while others were originally captured as prisoners of war. Regarding reasons, candidates may refer to the need for a workforce in the New World after the demographic fall within native communities as a result of wars and epidemics. Candidates may also consider the impossibility to allocate European peasants to the colonies, since few men were interested in moving to the Americas. Other relevant factors may be addressed. For example, the protection given to natives by some European crowns, who, influenced by the church, prevented natives from being enslaved and turned their attention to Africans, who were also experienced in intensive agriculture and knew how to raise crops that were unfamiliar to Europeans. Racist ideas about Africans supported the introduction of African slaves. The slave trade was also a lucrative trade that benefited European governments due to the taxes they charged. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for, and origins of, slavery in the New World received. There was a limited weak response focusing on the last 25 years of the 300-year time period and on the American South.