Indentured servitude was a system of labor used by England during the era of colonization. During the 17th century, many plantation/farm owners in the North American continent would pay for the trip of another male in England so that they would come to North America to work on their farm. In order to pay back the farm owner, these indentured servants would work 4-7 years on the farm/plantation of the person who paid for their trip. After that time was up, these servants would receive their own land.
This system was used throughout the 17th century but became unpopular after Bacon's Rebellion. After this rebellion lead by many former indentured servants, English colonists turned to slave labor instead. The cost of slaves was cheaper and it was easier to control these people, as they were considered property and had almost no legal rights.