Final answer:
An indentured servant was a person contracted to work for a set period, often in exchange for passage to a colony, and provided with basic necessities but no salary. They sometimes received 'freedom dues' after completing their service, with some becoming successful landowners.
Step-by-step explanation:
An indentured servant is best described by option b) "An indentured servant is a person bound by a contract to work for a set period." These servants were often impoverished individuals who signed contracts agreeing to work for a defined period, typically less than seven years, in exchange for necessities like lodging, food, and transportation. They may have also received a lump sum or "freedom dues" upon completing their service, which could include food provisions, tools, livestock, and occasionally land.
In the early Virginian colonies, indentured servants were crucial before the development of slavery, providing necessary labor for the cultivation of tobacco and other crops. While some indentured servants were treated fairly and gained valuable skills, others suffered from disease and harsh living conditions. Nevertheless, after completing their terms, many former servants became small farmers or even wealthy landowners equipped with experience and skills essential for survival and success in the colony.