“Slavery had a limited economic impact in the New World.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that slavery had a limited economic impact in the New World. Candidates may support the statement by considering that slaves were not the only workforce in the New World and that plantations were not the only economic source of revenues, since gold and silver mines were, for a long time, the main source of wealth. Candidates may also support the statement by stating that products such as tobacco and cotton could be grown by farmers without the need of a large workforce. The fact that many slaves were given the possibility to buy their freedom and work as free men could be also discussed. Candidates may challenge the statement by referring to the loss of the local population and the difficulties in bringing over European farmers, which led to the practice of slavery. Candidates may also consider that many tobacco farms gradually became sugar plantations demanding a larger number of workers. Other relevant factors that may be addressed include the closeness between Africa and the Caribbean, the similarities in their climates and the fact that many Africans were already farmers. Candidates may argue that slavery was not banned until the 19th century, showing its economic importance. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that slavery had a limited economic impact in the New World.