Why did many English come to America as indentured servants?
1. They were very religious and wanted freedom to worship
2. They were often poor and illiterate and needed work.
3. They were guaranteed a free college education.
4. They received 50 acres of free land upon arrival.
The correct reasons for many English people coming to America as indentured servants are:
2. They were often poor and illiterate and needed work.
Indentured servitude provided an opportunity for the lower social classes in England to secure passage to America in exchange for a set number of years of labor.
No other options were mentioned in the provided options. The English migrants were not guaranteed a free college education, and they did not receive 50 acres of free land upon arrival. The desire for religious freedom, while a significant factor in the broader history of English migration to America, was not specific to indentured servants.
Regarding your question, the main reasons why many English people came to America as indentured servants were:
1. They were often poor and illiterate and needed work: Many English individuals who lacked financial resources or job opportunities in England saw indentured servitude as a means to secure employment and potentially improve their circumstances. By agreeing to work for a set period, typically four to seven years, as an indentured servant in the American colonies, they hoped to gain access to job opportunities, food, shelter, and possibly land or other resources.
2. They were very religious and wanted freedom to worship: Religious freedom was a significant motivating factor for some English individuals who chose to come to America as indentured servants. Different religious groups sought refuge in the American colonies to escape religious persecution in England. By entering into indentured servitude, they could finance their journey to America and establish communities where they could freely practice their faith.
While free college education and receiving 50 acres of free land were not factors that directly led many English people to come to America as indentured servants, these opportunities did exist for certain individuals through other means or under different circumstances. However, it is important to note that the majority of indentured servants did not receive such benefits.
The correct answer is:
2. They were often poor and illiterate and needed work.
To understand why many English people came to America as indentured servants, it is important to consider the historical context. During the 17th century, England faced economic hardships, population growth, and limited employment opportunities. As a result, many people, particularly those who were poor and illiterate, sought better prospects and opportunities abroad.
Indentured servitude was a common practice during this time. It involved individuals, known as indentured servants, who would voluntarily sign contracts, known as indenture contracts, binding themselves to work for a specific employer for a set period of time, typically around 4 to 7 years. In return for their labor, the indentured servants would receive passage to America, as well as basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
Indentured servitude provided a means for poor English individuals to escape poverty and find employment in the American colonies, where there was a demand for labor. While the conditions of their servitude varied, it was generally a way for them to secure transportation to America and potentially improve their lives.
It's worth noting that the other options you listed are not accurate explanations for why many English people came to America as indentured servants. Religious freedom and the availability of free college education were not primary factors during this time. Additionally, while some settlers did receive land grants, it was typically not given freely as mentioned in option 4.