Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

After Emancipation, British West Indian planters faced significant labor shortages as they could no longer rely on enslaved individuals to cultivate sugar and other cash crops. In their search for a solution, planters looked towards Europe, particularly to recruit labor from various parts of the continent. This was due to a belief that white laborers, especially those from Europe, would be more willing to work under the harsh conditions of sugar production than local freed Africans.

While the idea of importing labor from Europe was initially considered, it turned out to be less successful than anticipated. Many European workers were not accustomed to the climate or the nature of plantation work, which limited their appeal. The other regions, such as Africa and Asia, became more attractive later on when the need for labor persisted, but the initial focus after Emancipation was indeed on Europe. This shift reflects the changing economic strategies of the planters in response to the new realities following the abolition of slavery.