They could have come up with a paid labor system as well as invest in mechanical that would have revolutionized agriculture.
Breaking down the money that was used to buy slaves, and finance their travel,food and accommodation, one have enough money to pay labor, even though minimum wage for some several years. The problem have to do with the notion of supremacy and savageness that characterized the whole of humanity in that era.
1935= Dust Storm
1931= Hoover Dam
1929= Stock
1938= Fight
1930= Banks Shut Down
Connecting past and present helps you see how humans have chosen to deal with conflict, which can lead to war, political debate, neighborhood riots, discrimination, etc. But also linking past and present helps us see how humans have solved any problems they have come across. Whether it be an economic issue, something that effects many people, or a personal issue.