Indentured Servitude

Background

Indentured servants were settlers who had no money. To pay for their voyage they would have to work as servants in other settlers’ houses until their debt was paid. There were many in both Virginia and Maryland.


Typically worked 3-7 years. Similar to slave, but only required to work for certain number of years. Over half of white emigrants in 17th to 18th centuries may have been indentured servants.

Significance

• Indentured servitude is how many white settlers came to America.