Rice cultivation in the American colonies began in South Carolina in 1685. Production spread rapidly to other colonies in the region. What was one effect of the large increase in rice cultivation?

Question

A.
The number of factories in the colonies increased because growing rice required special tools.
B.
The number of small farmers in the colonies increased because growing rice required little land.
C.
The number of indentured servants in the colonies increased because of their agricultural skills.
D.
The number of slaves in the colonies increased quickly because of the need for inexpensive labor.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: D. The number of slaves in the colonies increased quickly because of the need for inexpensive labor.

Rice cultivation was labor-intensive and required a significant workforce, which led to an increase in the demand for enslaved laborers to meet the agricultural needs of the plantations in the Southern colonies.