Which of the following factors contributed to the emergence of slavery in the Southern colonies?

The emergence of slavery in the Southern colonies can be attributed to the high costs associated with indentured servants. Initially, many planters relied on indentured servants to fulfill their labor needs, as this system allowed them to bring in workers who would contract for several years in exchange for passage to America and the promise of land or money upon completion of their service. However, as the demand for labor grew—especially on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo—the costs of maintaining this system became prohibitive.

Additionally, the indentured servant population was not stable; many servants completed their contracts and left to seek opportunities elsewhere, creating a labor shortage. This situation prompted Southern landowners to turn increasingly to the more permanent and economically viable solution of African slavery. Enslaved individuals were viewed as a more controllable and long-term labor force that would not require the same financial commitments as indentured servants, thus facilitating the shift toward a slave-based economy in the South.

The other factors, such as the need for skilled laborers and governmental control, did not have as significant an impact in comparison to the financial considerations and labor shortages created by the indentured servant system. While technological advancements in farming played a role in increasing crop production, they alone did