Difference Between Indentured Servants

Before we look at the status of indentured servants and slaves we need to understand the difference between the two. Indentured servants had no specific race, ethnicity, or family origin and these individuals are “hired” workers in contracts. These contracts are only valid for a few years and after their term they get land out in the frontier. Slaves on the other hand had life service and their servitude was inheritable. Their classes were similar but slightly different in important aspects. The indentured servants were also classified as “free” white citizens. They had more rights than the average African slave such as land ownership, and the right to trial if their masters committed a crime against them. The slaves were owned and had no rights
in the new American colonies. During this time period there was a civil war in England causing a shortage in indentured servants. This paved the way for slaves and the mentality of “working them to death and buying more” this approach was cheaper than indentured servants. This caused a surplus need of slaves especially after Bacon’s rebellion. Bacon’s rebellion, even though it failed, provided fear for the English colonist. Indentured servants were provided with land out in the frontier that would prove to be unstainable soil and dangerous conditions due to harsh Native American raids. This lead to a giant revolt and a failed rebellion. People turned to uneducated slaves who were never allowed to be free and could never successfully rebel again.