Most likely, the development of slavery in the North American colonies was inevitable. Slavery had existed in Africa, Europe and Asia for centuries, and all regions relied on this practice heavily in order to meet their need of labour. However, this practice was not the only present one in Europe, as Europe had plenty of poor, "free," peasants who also provided cheap or free labour.
However, when the colonists arrived in North America, this surplus of labour was not present. The population of North America was much lower compared to that of England, and many Native people died following European contact. As this problem arose, and trade with Africa intensified, it was inevitable that Europeans would turn to African slavery as a way to compensate for the lack of workers in the New World.
