Why were there fewer slaves in the backcountry of the Southern colonies than those areas closer to the coast? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
Colonists in the backcountry were primarily self-sufficient.
Backcountry colonists were fundamentally opposed to slavery.
Colonists in the backcountry were poor and couldn’t afford slaves.
Slaves had no way to travel to the backcountry to support the colonists.
Colonists in the backcountry were primarily self-sufficient.
Colonists in the backcountry were poor and couldn’t afford slaves.
The correct responses are:
1. Colonists in the backcountry were primarily self-sufficient.
2. Colonists in the backcountry were poor and couldn't afford slaves.
To determine why there were fewer slaves in the backcountry of the Southern colonies compared to areas closer to the coast, we can analyze the provided options:
1. Colonists in the backcountry were primarily self-sufficient.
This answer suggests that the backcountry colonists did not rely as heavily on enslaved labor because they were able to meet their needs independently. This may contribute to a lower demand for slaves in their communities.
2. Backcountry colonists were fundamentally opposed to slavery.
This option suggests that the backcountry colonists held moral or ideological objections to the institution of slavery. If they were opposed to slavery, it is likely that they would not have actively sought or utilized slaves as labor. However, it is important to note that this answer may not be universally true for all backcountry colonists.
3. Colonists in the backcountry were poor and couldn’t afford slaves.
This choice suggests that economic factors played a role in the scarcity of slaves in the backcountry. If the colonists in that region were poor, it would limit their ability to purchase and maintain enslaved labor. Consequently, the lack of financial resources could explain the lower number of slaves in the backcountry.
4. Slaves had no way to travel to the backcountry to support the colonists.
This option implies that slaves did not have means of transportation to reach the backcountry areas. If slaves lacked access to transportation or faced significant barriers in traveling to the backcountry, it would hinder their ability to be utilized as labor in those regions. As a result, the population of slaves in the backcountry may have been lower.
Based on historical context, the options that are most likely to contribute to the lower number of slaves in the backcountry of the Southern colonies are:
- Colonists in the backcountry were primarily self-sufficient.
- Colonists in the backcountry were poor and couldn’t afford slaves.
- Slaves had no way to travel to the backcountry to support the colonists.
These factors, in combination or individually, may explain the demographic differences regarding slavery in the backcountry compared to the coastal areas of the Southern colonies.