After slaves were freed, how did British and other plantation colonies fill their needs for labor? Where did the laborers come from? Be as specific as possible

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
After emancipation, plantation colonies continued to need new laborers. Most older colonies needed to replace the emancipated workers who refused to return to the plantations, and some colonies with few freed slaves or no tradition of slaves needed workers in order to expand operations. Many Africans, Chinese, Indians, and Pacific islanders were recruited and signed contracts ranging from five to seven years as indentured laborers. In the West Indies, the demand for new workers stemmed in part from the refusal of emancipated slaves to work. High mortality and low birthrates increased the need for additional workers. Some Africans who were recruited for work on plantations had been rescued from slave ships by the Royal Navy's antislavery squadrons. Still, the number of Africans was fairly low, as was the number of Chinese workers, who went primarily to Cuba. Most indentured laborers came from India?a British colony?and were sent to British colonies and those of other nations around the world. Crucial to the movement of such large numbers of workers was the development of larger and faster ships.