Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

The establishment of peasantry provided the African population with economic independence, which was a significant development after the abolition of slavery. This system allowed formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants to own and cultivate their own land, thereby enabling them to produce goods for their sustenance and for sale. By engaging in agriculture as peasants, they could gain financial autonomy and generate income, which contributed to their self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on the former plantation system.

Peasantry was particularly important as it marked a shift from being laborers on plantations to becoming stakeholders in their communities. This economic independence not only empowered the African population but also laid the groundwork for future socio-economic development, allowing them to create a more stable lifestyle for themselves and their families.

While land ownership and improved living conditions are related to the concept of peasantry, the core benefit was the economic independence that such a system provided, allowing individuals to thrive and contribute to their local economies. Holding political office is more associated with social and political advancement rather than the immediate benefits of peasant agriculture.