Question

"American Life in the Seventeenth Century, 1607-1692"

Explain why the use of slaves eventually outpaced and then replaced the use of indentured
servants.
Make sure to address the following points in your response:
Advantages and disadvantages of both groups (from the planters point of view)
☐ Bacon's Rebellion as an example of the need to transition from indentured to
slaves
M
The initial stages of Slavery in the colonies (Virginia Slave Codes & Slave
Auctions)
Use evidence from the document (s) to support your answer.

Answer 1

The use of slaves outpaced and replaced indentured servants in the seventeenth century colonies due to advantages like a permanent labor force and disadvantages of indentured servants like the expiration of their contracts. Bacon's Rebellion demonstrated the need for transition, and the establishment of Virginia Slave Codes and slave auctions marked the initial stages of slavery in the colonies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of slaves eventually outpaced and replaced the use of indentured servants in the seventeenth century colonies due to several factors. Indentured servants had some advantages for planters, such as being a cheaper labor source and having a set period of service. However, they also had disadvantages, including the potential for rebellion, their limited numbers, and the expiration of their contracts. In contrast, slaves provided a more permanent and reliable labor force, as they were considered property and their children would also be enslaved. The need to transition from indentured servants to slaves was highlighted by events like Bacon's Rebellion, which demonstrated the vulnerability of the planter class to indentured servant unrest. The advent of slavery in the colonies brought about the establishment of Virginia Slave Codes, which defined the legal status and restrictions placed upon slaves. Slave auctions became a common practice for buying and selling enslaved individuals.

Learn more about Slavery in the American colonies