In 3–5 sentences, explain why enslaving the Indigenous peoples of the Americas was largely unsuccessful in filling the need of the plantations. Support your answer by using one piece of qualitative and one piece of quantitative information from Las Casas’s writing.

Answer 1

Enslaving the Indigenous peoples of the Americas was largely unsuccessful in filling the need of the plantations due to the extremely high mortality rates among the enslaved population. According to Las Casas, many Indigenous people died from the harsh conditions and brutal treatment they were subjected to, resulting in a decreasing population. For example, in one instance mentioned by Las Casas, out of the 100,000 Indigenous people enslaved within a short duration, only 200 survived after a few months. This quantitative information illustrates the alarming death toll suffered by the enslaved population.

Furthermore, Las Casas explains that the Indigenous people were not accustomed to the heavy labor required on the plantations, leading to their physical decline and inability to meet the demands of the colonial economy. Las Casas describes how the enslaved Indigenous people, who were accustomed to a more sedentary lifestyle and primarily engaged in agricultural practices, were ill-equipped for the back-breaking work of sugar production on the plantations. This qualitative information highlights the unsuitability of the enslaved Indigenous population for plantation labor, further impacting their chances of survival.

Ultimately, the combination of high mortality rates and the physical decline of the enslaved Indigenous population made it largely unsuccessful in meeting the labor needs of the plantations in the Americas.

Answer 2

write only 3-5 sentences and use simpler terms

Answer 3

Enslaving the Indigenous peoples of the Americas did not work well for meeting the needs of the plantations because many of them died from the harsh conditions and mistreatment. According to Las Casas, out of 100,000 Indigenous slaves taken, only 200 survived after a few months. Additionally, the Indigenous people were not used to the hard work required on the plantations, which made it difficult for them to meet the demands. Overall, the high death rates and physical decline of the enslaved Indigenous population made it largely unsuccessful for the plantations.