How were indentured servants different from slaves?
a slaves were paid a small wage and indentured servants were forced to work for no money.
b 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
c indentured servants worked indefinitely and slaves agreed to work for five years in exchange for freedom at the end of the five years
d indentured servants earned wages but slaves did not
B. 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.
To determine how indentured servants were different from slaves, we can analyze the given answer options.
Option a: "Slaves were paid a small wage, and indentured servants were forced to work for no money."
This option is incorrect. Slaves, by definition, were not paid a wage, and indentured servants typically worked under contractual agreements that included some form of compensation, either during or at the end of their indenture period.
Option b: "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."
This option correctly highlights the key differences. Indentured servants willingly entered into a contract, agreeing to work without wages for a set period of time (usually several years) in exchange for land, tools, or other resources at the end of their term. In contrast, slaves were forcibly captured or born into bondage and were often subjected to a lifetime of forced labor with no hope for gaining freedom or benefits.
Option c: "Indentured servants worked indefinitely, and slaves agreed to work for five years in exchange for freedom at the end of the five years."
This option is incorrect. Indentured servants served for a specified, fixed period, usually ranging from four to seven years, whereas slaves had no timeline or guarantee of freedom.
Option d: "Indentured servants earned wages, but slaves did not."
This option is incorrect. While indentured servants did receive some form of compensation, usually in the form of food, shelter, and sometimes clothing, they typically did not receive traditional wages. Slaves, on the other hand, were not paid at all for their labor.
Based on the information provided, option b is the correct answer.