The statement that best explains the causes of the Slave Code of 1740 is: "The Slave Code of 1740 was caused by a large-scale, deadly slave rebellion in South Carolina, and growing fears of future revolts."
The slave code was enacted in response to the Stono Rebellion of 1739, which was one of the largest slave uprisings in the British colonies. The rebellion heightened fears among white slave owners and the colonial government about the potential for future revolts, leading to the establishment of laws that further restricted the rights of enslaved individuals and aimed to prevent similar revolts.