White European Indentured Servants

Definition

White European Indentured Servants were individuals who signed contracts to work for a specified period, usually between four to seven years, in exchange for passage to the American colonies, along with food, shelter, and sometimes land upon completion of their service. This system was an important part of the labor force in the British colonies, especially before the rise of African slavery, as it provided a source of cheap labor to cultivate crops and establish settlements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. White European Indentured Servants made up a significant portion of the labor force in the British colonies during the 17th and early 18th centuries, particularly in regions like Virginia and Maryland.
2. The system of indentured servitude often appealed to poor Europeans seeking better opportunities, leading to a diverse population of servants from various countries including England, Ireland, and Germany.
3. Many indentured servants faced harsh working conditions and could be subject to physical punishment if they did not fulfill their obligations under their contracts.
4. After serving their terms, many indentured servants were given 'freedom dues,' which could include land, money, or goods to help them start their new lives as free individuals.
5. The decline of indentured servitude in the late 17th century was largely due to the increasing profitability of African slavery, which provided a more permanent and controlled labor source for plantation owners.

Review Questions

• How did the system of indentured servitude shape the early labor force in the British colonies?
  • The system of indentured servitude was crucial in forming the early labor force in the British colonies by providing a steady stream of workers needed for agriculture and settlement. Indentured servants allowed landowners to cultivate large amounts of land without having to pay wages indefinitely. This reliance on indentured labor laid the groundwork for future labor systems and helped populate colonies during their formative years.
• Evaluate the social and economic impacts of White European Indentured Servants on colonial society.
  • White European Indentured Servants had significant social and economic impacts on colonial society. Economically, they contributed to agricultural production and infrastructure development, helping to establish profitable plantations that were vital for colonial economies. Socially, their presence led to a diverse population but also created tensions as freed servants sought land and opportunities, contributing to class divisions that would evolve over time.
• Analyze how the transition from indentured servitude to African slavery reflected broader changes in colonial society and economy.
  • The shift from indentured servitude to African slavery highlighted significant changes in colonial society and economy driven by demand for labor. As plantations grew and profitability increased, plantation owners sought a more stable and permanent workforce. African slavery provided that permanence but also reflected changing attitudes toward race and labor. This transition marked a turning point where economic interests began to justify severe human rights violations, ultimately shaping racial hierarchies that would persist long after this period.

Related terms

Indenture: A legal contract that binds one party to work for another for a specified period, often used in colonial America as a means of securing labor.

Servitude: A condition in which an individual is bound to serve another person under specific terms, often in exchange for basic needs such as food and shelter.

Slave Codes:

Laws enacted in the colonies that defined the status of enslaved people and the rights of their owners, becoming increasingly harsh in response to the growing reliance on African slavery.