Essay Question:

To what extent did Lascar sailors experience hardship and contribute to the British maritime empire during the 18th and 19th centuries?

Introduction (Thesis statement):

Outline the overall importance of Lascar sailors and acknowledge the hardships they faced.

Point 1: The hardships faced by Lascar sailors

Source A: 'Lascar sailors endured harsh conditions, including poor diet, disease, and discrimination aboard ships.' Provenance: Excerpt from a sailor’s diary, 1820.

Point 2: The contribution of Lascar sailors to maritime trade and empire

Source B: 'Lascar sailors played a vital role in maintaining British trade routes across Asia and Africa, facilitating economic expansion.' Provenance: British trade report, 1850.

Counter-argument:

Some argue that despite their hardships, Lascar sailors were easily replaceable and did not significantly influence the empire.

Conclusion:

Summarise the extent of hardship experienced and evaluate their importance to the empire.

Questions:

1. Outline the main hardships faced by Lascar sailors. (3 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Look for mention of physical hardships (disease, poor conditions)
     • Recognition of discrimination or social challenges
     • Use of source evidence
   • Model answer:
     • Lascar sailors faced numerous hardships including disease, poor living conditions, and discrimination based on their ethnicity, which made their lives difficult and dangerous.

2. Explain how sources suggest Lascar sailors contributed to British trade. (4 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Identification of their role in trade routes
     • Evidence from sources
     • Link to economic growth
   • Model answer:
     • Sources indicate that Lascar sailors were essential for maintaining trade routes across Asia and Africa, which helped Britain expand its economic influence.

3. Compare the hardships experienced by Lascar sailors with their contributions to the empire. (5 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Balance of hardships and contributions
     • Use of evidence to compare
     • Clear understanding of their dual role
   • Model answer:
     • While Lascar sailors endured severe hardships such as disease and discrimination, their vital role in trade and empire expansion highlights their significant contribution despite these difficulties.

4. Analyse the statement: 'Lascar sailors were easily replaceable and insignificant to the empire.' (6 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Critical analysis of the counter-argument
     • Use of evidence to support or refute
     • Evaluation of their importance
   • Model answer:
     • Although some argue that Lascar sailors were easily replaceable, evidence shows that they were crucial in maintaining trade routes and supporting economic growth, making their role significant.

5. Write a brief plan for your essay, including your introduction, three main points, and conclusion. (10 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Clear structure with logical flow
     • Inclusion of key points and evidence
     • Coherent thesis statement and conclusion
   • Model answer:
     • The introduction will outline the importance of Lascar sailors and acknowledge their hardships. Main points will include the physical and social hardships they faced, their vital role in trade, and a balanced evaluation of their significance. The conclusion will summarise these points and assess their overall contribution to the British empire.

6. Explain why the hardships faced by Lascar sailors should be considered when evaluating their contribution to the empire. (4 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Link between hardships and their resilience or importance
     • Use of source evidence
     • Critical thinking
   • Model answer:
     • Considering their hardships helps understand the resilience of Lascar sailors and highlights the sacrifices they made, which underscores their importance to the empire's maritime success.

7. Compare the portrayals of Lascar sailors in sources from different perspectives (e.g., sailors vs. trade officials). (5 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Identification of differing perspectives
     • Evidence from sources
     • Analysis of bias or emphasis
   • Model answer:
     • Sailors’ diaries often depict hardships and discrimination, while trade officials focus on their essential role in economic expansion, reflecting different priorities and potential biases.

8. Outline your main argument for the essay, including key points and evidence you will use. (8 marks)

   • Marking:
     • Clear thesis statement
     • Logical sequence of points
     • Reference to sources and evidence
   • Model answer:
     • My main argument is that despite facing significant hardships, Lascar sailors were vital to British maritime success. I will discuss their physical and social hardships, their critical role in trade routes, and evaluate their overall significance based on historical sources.

This worksheet provides a comprehensive scaffold for students to plan a detailed essay on Lascar sailors, encouraging critical thinking and source analysis.