Module 2 Critical Thinking HST 201 (4) (1)
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American Labor Force
Maria Battaglia Colorado State University Global
HST 201: U.S. History to Reconstruction
Marc Meyer
Dec 24, 2023
Introduction
During colonial times, indentured servants worked for a slave owner in exchange for passage to the American colonies. In the early 17th century, this system played a crucial role in colonial growth and organization. The focus of this paper is on the expansion and structure of the
indentured servant system, along with its objectives, motivations, and influence on the American colonies. Afterwards, the Atlantic slave trade became the primary source of labor in all the colonies due to the decline of this system.
Growing the System
As labor became scarce in the American colonies, the colonial indentured servant system expanded. A substantial need for labor in Virginia was created by the emergence of the tobacco industry. Tobacco cultivation was a demanding task, and colonists relied on a reliable workforce to clear the land and tend to the crops (Openstax, 2023) Due to a shortage of local labor, colonial
landowners hired indentured servants from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Organizing the System
The indentured servitude system operated under the framework of a legal agreement that outlined the terms and conditions for both the laborer and the creditor. This contract was typically executed in England and specified the duration of the indenture, which typically spanned from four to seven years. Within the contract, the terms of labor, rights, responsibilities, and potential compensation for the servant upon completion of their term were stipulated. Throughout their indenture, the creditor was obligated to provide the servant with essentials such
as food, clothing, and shelter. However, similar to enslaved Native Americans and Africans, indentured servants could have their contracts auctioned to different buyers, subjected to
physical punishment, and, in certain circumstances, they were even prohibited from marrying or having children without the consent of their contract holders (LDHI, n.d.).
Participants
The system of indentured servitude drew individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds. Numerous indentured servants originated from impoverished English and Irish peasants seeking improved living conditions in the colonies. There were also skilled artisans, including carpenters, blacksmiths, and tailors, who aimed to establish their own enterprises in the
colonies. Additionally, the ranks of indentured servants included criminals, prisoners of war, and
political dissidents who were offered the opportunity to serve their sentences in the colonies.
Goals and Motives
Indentured servants had different goals and motives depending on their specific backgrounds and circumstances. Impoverished peasants saw the indentured servitude system as a
means to escape poverty and improve their lives in the colonies. On the other hand, skilled craftsmen viewed the system as an opportunity to establish their businesses and earn a living in a
new setting. For criminals and prisoners, the system presented a chance to avoid severe punishment and start afresh in the colonies. In some cases, their contracts may have included provisions such as at least 25 acres of land, a year's supply of corn, weapons, a cow, new clothing, and other benefits (PBS, 2014).
Impact of Indentured Servitude on the American Colonies
The indentured servant system profoundly impacted American colonies. Through the availability of inexpensive labor, colonial landowners were able to cultivate crops and establish lucrative businesses, but it played an important role in the colonization of the colonies as well by attracting individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds and backgrounds. Indentured
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servants occupied a position at the bottom of the social hierarchy due to the inequity of the system. Slavery developed in the colonies largely due to the indentured servant system. It led to a
demand for workers and the legalization of human ownership.
Declining the Servitude and Rising the Slave Trade
Many factors contributed to the decline of the indentured servant system during the 17th century. England had experienced economic growth, heard negative rumors about harsh conditions in America, and found increased opportunities within its borders. This led to a decline
in its supply of indentured servants. There was an increase in cost for those who financed migration which led to enslaved servants demanding to be treated better and compensated. The importation of African slaves became increasingly common and was cost-effective, due to the establishment and profitability of the slave trade. The Atlantic slave trade replaced the indentured servant system and became the primary source of labor in most American colonies. Slaves were more abundant and were cheaper compared to indentured servants.
Conclusion
Colonial indentured servants had a significant impact on the labor force of American colonies. The indentured servant system benefited colonial landowners in a variety of ways. This
included workers being put to farm crops and build profitable companies. The necessity for labor
and the ownership of certain individuals, lead to the indentured servant system. The indentured servant system played a crucial role due to the fact that it assisted in the development of slavery.
References
New World Labor Systems: European indentured servants · African passages, Lowcountry adaptations · Lowcountry Digital history initiative
. Omeka RSS. (n.d.). https://ldhi.library.cofc.edu/exhibits/show/africanpassageslowcountryadapt/
introductionatlanticworld/new-world-labor-systems--europ
, April 2, 2023
Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T., Waskiewicz, S., & Vickery, P. (n.d.). 3.3 English settlements in America - U.S. history
. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/us-
history/pages/3-3-english-settlements-in-america Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). Indentured servants in the U.S. | history detectives
. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/indentured-servants-in-the-us/