Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

The abolition of slavery in the Caribbean led to significant changes in the labor dynamics of the region, which resulted in a labor shortage on plantations. Prior to emancipation, enslaved people constituted the primary workforce, and their sudden freedom created a substantial gap in the labor supply. Plantations struggled to maintain the same level of productivity, as the formerly enslaved individuals sought autonomy and new opportunities beyond the confines of plantation work. This shift not only affected agricultural output but also represented a broader transition towards a more diverse economy where formerly enslaved individuals were free to pursue various forms of employment.

The impact of this labor shortage was profound, leading many plantation owners to seek new labor sources, including indentured laborers from other countries. Thus, the correct answer highlights a crucial economic consequence of abolishing slavery, illustrating the immediate challenges faced by the plantation economy in the wake of profound social changes.