What was the main purpose of slave codes in the Caribbean colonies?

The primary purpose of slave codes in the Caribbean colonies was to control the enslaved population and restrict their rights. These codes were legal frameworks established by colonial governments to define the status of enslaved people and establish rules and regulations governing their behavior.

The enforcement of slave codes served to reinforce the system of enslavement by outlining severe consequences for disobedience and escape attempts. They restricted personal freedoms, such as movement, assembly, and the ability to own property or marry without permission. The harshness of these codes aimed to prevent rebellion and maintain the social order beneficial to the colonial economy, which relied heavily on slave labor. The codes were a means to instill fear and obedience among the enslaved, thereby solidifying the power structure that supported the plantation system.

In this context, while the other options may address activities or aspects related to slavery, they do not align with the fundamental intent of slave codes, which was primarily about control and oppression rather than education, promoting revolts, or facilitating freedom.