Indentured ServitudeLabor in the American Colonies

What it was

English men (or women) would exchange 5-7 years of labor for passage to the new world

They became property of the ship’s captain until reaching the colonies

Mortality the same for other passenger ships

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What it was

Upon landing in the colonies, the indentured servants would be sold

Sale usually was to farmers - needed people to work their land - or to become help within people’s homes

What They Did

Manual labor on farms

Domestic chores in private homes

Jobs were in short supply in England - but were readily available in the colonies. That’s why many people chose this option.

Here’s the Catch...

Indentured servants were not paid for their work

Instead, their passage to the new world had been covered

In many cases, they had been “promised” land and money at the end of their service

Who Were They?

Young men or women

Usually under 21 years old

From England, Ireland, Scotland and Germany

Usually “signed over” by their fathers

So...What Was it Like?

Contracts for servitude could be bought and sold (but these people were not viewed as “property”)

Limited rights (such as marriage without permission)

Pregnant women had their terms of servitude lengthened

Gaining Freedom

After serving out the term of the contract, servants would be legally free

Would often be given a small amount of money and a suit

Opportunity to gain own land or use a learned skill to begin own work

Plotting Freedom