mckaywest11e

Quiz for Primary Source 17.4: Olaudah Equiano’s Economic Arguments for Ending Slavery

Question

1. According to Equiano, who would benefit economically if slavery were abolished?

Many American plantation owners

Most English landowners

The vast majority of manufacturers

England’s rural poor

Correct. The answer is c. The only exception Equiano made was for manufacturers directly involved in producing products with no use outside of the slave trade.

Incorrect. The answer is c. The only exception Equiano made was for manufacturers directly involved in producing products with no use outside of the slave trade.

Question

2. Why did Equiano believe that ending slavery would produce economic benefits for England?

He argued that Africa would become a large and growing market for English goods.

He argued that the increased efficiency of free labor would offset increased labor costs.

He argued that God would reward England for its virtuous act.

He argued that England’s economic resources would be redirected into more profitable enterprises.

Correct. The answer is a. Equiano argued that ending slavery would lead to population growth in Africa which, in turn, would mean a large and growing number of consumers for English goods.

Incorrect. The answer is a. Equiano argued that ending slavery would lead to population growth in Africa which, in turn, would mean a large and growing number of consumers for English goods.