Indentured Servitude
Candlefocus EditorIndentured servitude is when someone enters into a contract to work for a specific period of time with no fixed wages. Instead, the worker is usually rewarded with meals, clothing, and sometimes lodging for the duration of the contract. The employer also pays any additional costs associated with the workers' lodging and transport. In exchange, the worker is expected to honor their “indenture”, or agreement, by completing their duties and obligations as determined by their employers.
As the demand for labor in the American colonies increased, many of these indentured servants were sold, loaned, or even inherited. Despite the freedoms and opportunities that this type of work often provided, there were also harsh penalties for failure to abide by the terms of the indenture. Depending on the situation, the servitude may have been seen as a means of escape, a way to pay off debt, or a wish to prove yourself.
Indentured servitude’s popularity declined after the 1700s due to the rise of African slavery, as well as the economic repercussions of the Revolutionary War. The practice had become a symbol of oppression and subservience, and was replaced by more rigid forms of labor such as apprenticeships. Laws were also made which limited the rights of servants and employers.
While indentured servitude is no longer prevalent in the United States, it continues to exist in some parts of the world. It is also still seen in certain circumstances, such as apprenticeship programs, or as part of a contract for services or goods.
In conclusion, indentured servitude was a form of labor popular in the United States during the 1600s, allowing individuals to pay passage to America while working in exchange. It was sometimes seen as a means of escape or a wish to prove oneself, but also had harsh penalties for failure to abide by the terms of the indenture. Indentured servitude has since declined and has been largely replaced with more rigid forms of labor, such as apprenticeships. Despite its passé status, it still exists in certain parts of the world and in some circumstances, such as contract services.