Indentured Servants and Slaves
The English colonies were constructed by an incredible work fore of considerable size and diversity. Indentured servants and slaves were systematically utilized by the English Crown to expand its economic pursuits and solve domestic issues. Endless American land and cheap labor were to ensure a prosperous and flourishing economy that would propel England from a small island nation to a global imperial power. However, both indentured servants and slaves demonstrated characteristics that may alter one’s perception of each of their respective labor systems. Indentured servitude was not a simple path to fortune, and slavery was not an impenetrable system comprised of masters and brainless slaves. These laborers – although culturally different – endured similar hardships as pawns under command of the financially ambitious English Crown, laying the foundations for the colonies’ economic and social structures throughout the 1600s and 1700s.
The English Crown’s land-oriented economic goals dictated the travels and experiences of these laborers. During this time, English land’s high value played a significant role in the progression and aspirations of its occupants. Political and public office privileges for landowners, such as having the right to vote in local elections or hold office as a sheriff, added incentives for citizens to pursue land ownership. Therefore, colonists increasingly focused on American land, which was high in abundance, yet low in monetary value. However, ambitious colonists and typical farmers soon found themselves struggling to maintain their land without assistance from the sizable work force English property owners were accustomed to operating (Gray, 97-100). Heavy importation of indentured servants and slaves thus followed, beginning the transformation of British North America’s social and economic complexion. For example, worsening relations between Blacks and Whites questioned the morals behind the latter’s religious convictions
The English Crown’s land-oriented economic goals dictated the travels and experiences of these laborers. During this time, English land’s high value played a significant role in the progression and aspirations of its occupants. Political and public office privileges for landowners, such as having the right to vote in local elections or hold office as a sheriff, added incentives for citizens to pursue land ownership. Therefore, colonists increasingly focused on American land, which was high in abundance, yet low in monetary value. However, ambitious colonists and typical farmers soon found themselves struggling to maintain their land without assistance from the sizable work force English property owners were accustomed to operating (Gray, 97-100). Heavy importation of indentured servants and slaves thus followed, beginning the transformation of British North America’s social and economic complexion. For example, worsening relations between Blacks and Whites questioned the morals behind the latter’s religious convictions
Cited: New York: Oxford UP, 2012. 97-121. Print Harrison, Nathaniel Ed. Edward G. Gray. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford UP, 2012. 104-06. Print. Revel, James York: Oxford UP, 2012. 107-09. Print. South-Carolina Gazette 18 Jan. 1734: n. pag. Print. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford UP, 2012. 97-121. Print.