What was the difference between indentured servitude and African slavery?

Indentured servitude differed from slavery in that it was a form of debt bondage, meaning it was an agreed upon term of unpaid labor that usually paid off the costs of the servant’s immigration to America. Indentured servants were not paid wages but they were generally housed, clothed, and fed.

When did African slavery replace indentured servants?

By 1675 slavery was well established, and by 1700 slaves had almost entirely replaced indentured servants. With plentiful land and slave labor available to grow a lucrative crop, southern planters prospered, and family-based tobacco plantations became the economic and social norm.

How was indentured servitude different from enslavement of Africans in the British North American colonies?

How was indentured servitude different from enslavement of Africans in the British North American colonies? a. Indentured servants were freed at the end of a set number of years. Children born during an indentured servant’s term had to serve until adulthood.

Could indentured servants marry?

Indentured servants could not marry without the permission of their master, were sometimes subject to physical punishment and did not receive legal favor from the courts. Female indentured servants in particular might be raped and/or sexually abused by their masters.

Why did indentured servitude start?

The idea of indentured servitude was born of a need for cheap labor. With passage to the Colonies expensive for all but the wealthy, the Virginia Company developed the system of indentured servitude to attract workers. Indentured servants became vital to the colonial economy.

Why did they switch from indentured servants to slaves?

Many landowners also felt threatened by newly freed servants demand for land. The colonial elite realized the problems of indentured servitude. Landowners turned to African slaves as a more profitable and ever-renewable source of labor and the shift from indentured servants to racial slavery had begun.

When did the first African slaves arrive in the colonies?

1619
In late August, 1619, 20-30 enslaved Africans landed at Point Comfort, today’s Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., aboard the English privateer ship White Lion. In Virginia, these Africans were traded in exchange for supplies.

How did slaves get paid?

Generally speaking, slaves enjoyed few material benefits beyond crude lodgings, basic foods and cotton clothing. Still, some plantation slaves were able to earn small amounts of cash by telling fortunes or playing the fiddle at dances. Others sold poultry, meats and liquor or peddled handicrafts.

How did indentured servants differ from slavery?

Indentured servitude differed from slavery in that it was a form of debt bondage, meaning it was an agreed upon term of unpaid labor that usually paid off the costs of the servant’s immigration to America. Indentured servants were not paid wages but they were generally housed, clothed, and fed.

How were the slaves or indentured servants treated?

How Were Indentured Servants Treated by the English? A Desperate Choice. Many indentured servants chose to come to the Colonies from England because they were destitute. Treated as Chattel. Indentured servants were no better than property. Harsh Environment. Indentured servants were frequently overworked, especially on the Southern plantations during planting and harvesting season. Tumultuous Results.

What distinguishes indentured servitude from slavery?

Several things distinguished slavery from indentured servitude. First, indentured servants willingly entered into their position, whereas slaves were forced into slavery. Secondly, indentured servitude was temporary .

What did indentured servants do for the US?

Most indentured servants worked as farm laborers or domestic servants, although some were apprenticed to craftsmen. The terms of an indenture were not always enforced by American courts, although runaways were usually sought out and returned to their employer.