How were indentured servants different from slaves?
Slaves were paid a small wage and indentured servants were forced to work for no money
Indentured servants agreed to work for no money in exchange for land and tools after a certain period of time, while slaves were forced to work indefinitely.
Indentured servants worked indefinitely and slaves agreed to work for five years in exchange for freedom at the end of the five years.
Indentured servants earned wages but slaves did not.
The correct answer is:
Indentured servants agreed to work for no money in exchange for land and tools after a certain period of time, while slaves were forced to work indefinitely.
Indentured servants were different from slaves in several ways:
1. Labor Agreement: Indentured servants entered into a legal contract known as an indenture, voluntarily agreeing to work for a specific period of time (usually around 4-7 years) in exchange for certain benefits. In contrast, slaves were owned as property and had no legal agency or choice in their work arrangements.
2. Compensation: Indentured servants were typically provided with certain benefits as part of their agreement, such as passage to the colonies, food, clothing, and sometimes land and tools upon completion of their servitude. However, they did not receive wages for their labor during their time of servitude. On the other hand, slaves were not compensated for their work and were considered the property of their owners.
3. Duration of Servitude: Indentured servants had a fixed term of service as specified in their indenture contract. Once their term was completed, they were granted their freedom and some were given land and other resources to start a new life. Conversely, slaves had a lifetime of bondage and their freedom was not guaranteed.
4. Legal Status: Despite the hardships and lack of rights, indentured servants were still considered legal individuals, albeit bound by their contractual obligations. In contrast, slaves were regarded as property, with no legal standing or rights.
It's important to note that while there were clear legal and social distinctions between indentured servants and slaves, both groups faced exploitation, harsh conditions, and limited freedoms during their time of service.