Indentured Servitude In America

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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