Final answer:
Indentured servants in the American colonial period were poor individuals who agreed to work for an agreed upon period of time, usually less than seven years, in exchange for the necessities of life. After their service, they were given resources to start a life as free colonists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indentured servants in the American colonial period were poor individuals who agreed to work for an agreed upon period of time, usually less than seven years, in exchange for the necessities of life such as lodging, food, and transportation or clothing. Unlike slaves, indentured servants were not considered property and their indenture was not a lifetime commitment. After completing their service, they were given land, supplies, tools, and sometimes even money to begin their lives as free colonists.