Indentured Servitude In America

Words: 358

Pages: 2

Open Document

Slavery in America is often discussed in conversations regarding race. Although africans were used as slaves, it was at a later time. In fact, indentured servitude existed in England before the slave trade. It acted as a contract between a person with a set of skills, and someone who was in need of that skill set. Most contracts in England lasted a year, but ultimately the term was agreed upon prior to signing. This was taking place during the sixteenth and seventeenth century and carried over into the New World colonies. In 1606, King James the first gave the Virginia Trade Company a royal charter, allowing them to establish colonies in North America. The Virginia Trade company established Jamestown Virginia the first permanent English colony in the newly discovered ‘America’. ADD THESIS …show more content…
This was an issue for many colonists because there was a lot of work needed to get done. Benign neglect was still present in England rule, and not much thought was given to the colonies. Therefore, the English government did not assist in development. At this point in time, there was an influx of immigrants, which consisted of the poor and criminals. These individuals did not have any titles or money, so land was not given to them. Indentured servitude was a solution to the issue, and allowed criminals or poor to work for their passageway to America. A contract was formed between a skilled worker and a landowner that was very specific as to the length of time that must be served, freedom, board, and passage. Typically four to seven years was required out of the indentured servant until a contract would be

Indentured Servitude In Colonial America

Many people assume that Colonial America was a land of opportunity and liberty. It was, but it was also a land of much oppression. These three things played a significant role in making Colonial America. In Colonial America there were many opportunities at hand for the people who dwelled there and also for the newcomers. Each Colonial consisted of different opportunities. Massachusetts Bay Colony had many job opportunities such as agriculture, fishing, logging, and also shipbuilding, which served…

Words 456 - Pages 2

Dbq Indentured Servitude Research Paper

in the Americas. Without the abundant influx of thousands of slaves, plantations were weakened, and unable to produce sufficient harvests or products. However, even with the new method of working in the Americas, indentured servitude, consequences appeared throughout its existence. These adverse effects became increasingly apparent, and even resulted in the speaking out of the recruits. The introduction of indentured servitude was due to the need for more laborers in the Colonial Americas. During…

Words 592 - Pages 3

Summary: Colonial Indentured Servants

In the 1730s and 1740s America was being shaped into a prosperous society. However, this prosperous society was only obtainable for the upper-class people who could afford it. The availability of land was increasing, thus calling for the need for more labor. As a result, indentured servitude and slave labor became an essential piece for developing America. The textbook, Oakes of the People, puts this into perspective by stating, “Those who could take advantage of these opportunities profited wildly…

Words 1263 - Pages 6

Indentured Servitude

to colonize the eastern coast of North America for the English monarch. By 1612 John Rolfe, a settler of the Virginia colony had successfully cultivated tobacco; soon after, the value of tobacco skyrocketed as the demand for the product soared in Europe. With an abundance of land and the lack of means to enslave the indigenous peoples upon its arrival to North America, the company was quickly forced to create a system of labor known as indentured servitude. Under this system, a company would pay…

Words 403 - Pages 2

Indentured Servitude Research Paper

Indentured servitude developed out of England. Young people signed contracts with masters for certain number of years in exchange for a free ride to the new world. Young men were suppose receive clothing, tools and sometimes land. All depends on how well their service was to their master. Women didn’t get much all that was expected of them was to get married once they years were up. By the late 17th century indentured servant population was the largest elements of the colonial population. This was…

Words 264 - Pages 2

Essay on History WA2

There were several reasons for Europeans to migrate to America. Religious freedom, mercantilism, and adventure are a few of the main reasons for emigration. Some came from aristocratic families and gained charters from kings to embark on their journeys. Some saw the colonization and migration to America as a necessity and some saw it as an opportunity. Along with this colonization they brought with them different ideas of how to take advantage of the new environments and differing ideas of economics…

Words 1248 - Pages 5

Indentured Servants

Indentured Servants and slaves both worked hard labor for others, but their prospects were very different. The biggest similarity between indentured servants and slaves is that they worked for others without receiving any pay. Through changes in the European economy and culture as well as the implementation of new laws in America, indentured servitude reduced over time while slavery increased. Indentured servants were people who worked for others without pay in order to travel to the American colonies…

Words 675 - Pages 3

Indentured Migration DBQ

and 19th centuries there are many causes and consequences of the system of indentured servitude that developed as part of global economic changes from 19th century to the 20th century. The indentured servitude system caused harsh working conditions (Doc #5,8), and massive migrations (Doc #3,4,6,9). However, these changes were caused by the enormous need for labor in the Western Hemisphere (Doc #2,7). Indentured servitude developed because of the need for labor in the Western Hemisphere. For example…

Words 800 - Pages 4

Essay 2 Servitude

Servitude in the New World Lisa Harmoning San Jose State University Servitude in the New World In a lot of ways indentured servants and slaves were very similar. Indentured servants had more hope for a better future but slaves could have better immediate conditions. They were both generally treated the same, subjected to the physical punishment of the masters. They worked for no immediate pay and had no real control over their working conditions. Although they were similar in some ways…

Words 1007 - Pages 5

Powerpointu.S History Essay

• What is the difference of indentured Servitude compared to slavery of Africans? Did it help the economy or bring it further into debt? • Indentured slavery was a façade to help government remain control of finances. Those being indentured servants were blind because of the idea of ‘paying off’ a debt but only putting themselves in more restrictions. • Choice • Costs • Benefits • Labor performed by indentured servants and becoming one was a easy way for immigrants to travel to what they…

Words 429 - Pages 2