AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Indentured Servants (Day 26/309)

Welcome to day 26 of APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Today I will be explaining Indentured Servants in the British North American colonies.

Tobacco Cultivation at Jamestown, The Atlantic

As the British established their North American colonies, there was a high desire for laborers. In 1618, the Virginia Company developed the “Headright System as a way to increase immigration.

Virginia Gazette, May 19, 1774 NCPedia

Through the Headright System, an investor could pay for a person’s passage to the colonies. In exchange, they would receive land, typically 50 acres, and that person’s labor.

Indenture of James Bracken, Encyclopedia Virginia

These laborers were called Indentured Servants. They were typically poor, white men but sometimes women. They agreed to work for generally 4-7 years, and were promised “freedom dues” which could be land, money or other benefits after the completion of their service.

Mother Browning Flogging Her Apprentice in the Cellar, AlphaHistory.com

The terrible treatment of indentured servants led to approximately half dying before their years of service were completed. Only about half of those who survived their indenture actually received their freedom dues. Over time, fewer Europeans were willing or desired to become an indentured servant. 

Overall, indentured servants were a major part of the early labor force. However, due to poor treatment and other conditions, the colonies shifted to a dependence upon enslaved Africans.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Bacon’s Rebellion in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!