- Labor-Intensive Crops: Virginia's economy heavily relied on labor-intensive crops such as tobacco, which required a large workforce to cultivate, process, and transport.
- Shortage of White Labor: The colony faced a shortage of white laborers, as many preferred to own land and become independent farmers rather than work for wages.
Social and Political:
- Racial Attitudes and Beliefs: Prevalent racism and prejudice against Africans and African Americans influenced the decision to enslave them.
- Legal Framework: Virginia's legal system supported and enforced the institution of slavery, creating a framework that allowed the enslavement of Africans and African Americans.
Historical Precedent:
- Success of Slavery in the Caribbean: The success of plantation-style agriculture and the use of slave labor in the Caribbean colonies provided a model for Virginia planters to emulate.