2.6 Slavery in the British Colonies: Causes, Objections, and Population Growth
This assignment explores the causes and objections to slavery in the British colonies, as well as the growth of the colonial and African American populations between 1660 and 1780. Answer the multiple-choice and short-answer questions using the provided excerpt and graph. Use complete sentences for all short-answer responses.
Group 1
Questions 1–2 refer to the following excerpt.
Source 1.1
"These are the reasons we are against the traffic of mens-body. . . . Now, though they are black, we cannot conceive there is more liberty to have them slaves as it is to have other white ones [slaves]. There is a saying that we shall do to all men like as we will be done ourselves, making no difference of what generation, descent, or color they are. And those who steal or rob men, and those who buy or purchase them, are they not alike. . . .
In Europe there are many oppressed for conscience sake; and here there are those oppressed which are of a black color . . . This makes an ill report in all those countries of Europe, where they hear of that the Quakers do here handle men like they handle there the cattle. And for that reason some have no mind or Inclination to come hither."
Mennonite Community, Germantown, Pennsylvania, 1688
Mennonite Community, Germantown, Pennsylvania, 1688
Question 1a
The most direct cause of the practice objected to in the source was that
Question 1b
Which of the following reasons does the excerpt suggest best explains why the group took the stance it did?
Group 2
Using the graph above, answer (a), (b), and (c). Use complete sentences; outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable.
Source 2.1
Colonial Population Growth, 1660–1780
| Year | Total Population | African American Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1660 | ~75,000 | ~5,000 |
| 1680 | ~150,000 | ~10,000 |
| 1700 | ~250,000 | ~25,000 |
| 1720 | ~500,000 | ~50,000 |
| 1740 | ~900,000 | ~100,000 |
| 1760 | ~1,600,000 | ~200,000 |
| 1780 | ~2,800,000 | ~400,000 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census. Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970
Question 2a
Briefly explain ONE specific historical development or circumstance between 1660 and 1780 that led to the changes in the African American population as depicted in the graph.
Question 2b
Briefly explain ONE specific effort made by the British authorities during the 17th and early 18th centuries to increase the population levels as depicted in the graph.
Question 2c
Briefly explain ONE specific cause for the periodic shortages of labor in the colonies during the period between 1660 and 1780.
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