The Terrible Transformation

From indentured servitude to slavery in America

Focus QuestionWhy was labor so important in colonial

society?

ObjectivesAfter today’s lesson, you will:Evaluate reasons people would choose to

become indentured servants.Examine the shift from semi-free indentured

labor to slave labor in the colonies

Arrival of Africans in America“About the latter end of August, a Dutch Man-of-War ... arrived at Point-Comfort .... He brought not any thing but 20 and odd Negroes, which the Governor and Cape Merchants bought for food at the best and easiest rates they could. . . .”

John RolfeLetter to Sir Edwin

Sandys1619

Convoluted relationships

“Mr. Taylor and I have divided our corn and I am very glad of it for now I know mine own ground.”

Anthony the NegroVirginia Court Document,

1645

Society Based on Indentured LaborLarge quantity of English Poor

Lacked ability to find workWilling to accept servitude

Low life expectancies in Virginia (average 4 years)

Monopoly on the slave trade drives up the price for slaves

Importance of Indentured LaborWith indentured labor readily available, the

cost of indentured servants was low.Why turn to slave labor?Remains common in

New England

SOCIETY WITH SLAVES

Competing TheoriesWhy switch to a system of slave labor?Two theories

English colonies turned to slavery to prevent class conflict

Economic shifts

Class ConflictRivalry between Planters and Poor in Virginia

Economy and government favored the wealthyPoor farmers felt ignoredBacon’s Rebellion terrified the

Planters

Virginia needs a permanent unfree labor forceTurn to slave labor, rather than indentured

servantsDivide and conquer

Tie poor whites to the Planters with privilege

Economic ModelPool of indentured labor dried up

Learned of the horror of life in VirginiaPublic works jobs existed in England

Great Fire of London

Life expectancies rose (by 1650, average was 20 years)

Royal African Company lost its monopoly in 1689

Transformation to a Slave SocietyCosts of Indentured servants risingCosts of slaves fallingLabor needs met by slaves, not servantsSouthern economy based on slave labor

SLAVE SOCIETY

SummaryDescribe the most important item you

learned in class today.