As the Chesapeake colonies began their mercantilist system, they developed institutions in which indentured servants and slavery would become important in their society.
It is estimated that near 80% of immigrants to the Chesapeake colonies in the 17th century were indentured servants (Roark). Indentured servants provided a sustainable amount of work force in the colonies until the installment of importing African slaves. Indentures slaves were usually immigrants who wanted to come to America due to lack of opportunity in England to elevate from their lowly class status, but didn’t have the money or means for the passage. To resolve this predicament, these people “sold” themselves for the costs of transportation. With this exchange, these immigrants agreed to work for a certain amount of time, often four to seven years, without compensation. This system flourished for more than 150 years due to labor shortages in the growing colonies, but by the 1800s the numbers of indentured servants declined as the number of African slaves in the colony increased.
Slavery was the keystone of the Chesapeake colonies. The Chesapeake colonies started importing slaves from Africa. The Chesapeake colonies focused on agriculture, which required a massive labor force. The majority of the imported slaves worked either on farms tending to crops and livestock, or out in plantations fields. The most notable area of work for these people was the tobacco plantation. Gradually over time, slavery became a part of society and way of life. As the indentured servants served their time (so to speak) and were freed, slaves took their positions as they were less expensive to maintain and their service lasted the total of their lives, extending to their children as well. Slavery was crucial to the economy of Jamestown because the economy was passed on agriculture and trade. Due to the major role slavery played in the economy and society, harsh laws and restrictions were placed upon these people. This led to inequality, racism, and social distinction, which would take years to nullify. .
Slavery
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