Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

The apprenticeship system introduced in the Caribbean following the abolition of slavery in 1834 had a significant impact, particularly in delaying full emancipation for the formerly enslaved population. This system required freed individuals to continue working on plantations for a period of time, usually four to six years, under conditions that were often harsh and exploitative.

While they were no longer legally considered slaves, the terms of the apprenticeship meant that many of their former conditions persisted. The system was primarily designed to benefit plantation owners, who were anxious about losing their labor force without any transition period to protect their economic interests. This delay in fully realizing emancipation prevented former slaves from experiencing immediate freedom and autonomy over their lives, thereby prolonging their subjugation within the socio-economic structure of the Caribbean.

The other options reflect outcomes that did not occur as a direct result of the apprenticeship system: there was no immediate economic independence, land redistribution was limited, and mass migration was not a primary consequence of this transitional period.