Slave rebellions
By denying them privileges granted to indentured servants
The most important social distinction in the seventeenth century Chesapeake colony was between the wealthy elite plantation owners and the indentured servants and enslaved laborers. The plantation owners had immense wealth and power, while the indentured servants and enslaved laborers were largely dependent on them for work and survival. This distinction shaped the economic and social structure of the colony, with the plantation owners dominating both politically and economically.
Plantation Houses
plantation wives
Southern plantation owners feared the Missouri Compromise would limit the expansion of slavery, and eventually the institution of slavery itself.
One advantage of having indentured servants for plantation owners was that they could increase their profit margin. The plantation owners had very cheap labor.
Plantation owners preferred slaves over indentured servants because slaves were considered property for life, providing a long-term and inexpensive source of labor. Indentured servants, on the other hand, only worked for a fixed period and were entitled to freedom and land after their contract ended, making them less profitable for plantation owners in the long run.
One advantage of having indentured servants for plantation owners was that they could increase their profit margin. The plantation owners had very cheap labor.
Plantation owners preferred slaves over indentured servants because slaves were considered property, providing a long-term source of labor with no freedom or rights. Slaves could be inherited and their children born into slavery, ensuring a continuous workforce. In contrast, indentured servants had limited terms of service and some legal protections, making them less profitable and reliable for plantation owners.
Slave rebellions.
Plantation owners preferred slaves over indentured servants because slaves were considered property and could be bought, sold, and inherited, providing a more permanent and stable labor force. Slaves were also seen as a lifetime investment whereas indentured servants were temporary workers whose contracts would expire. Additionally, slaves were often treated as less than human and did not have legal rights or protections, allowing plantation owners to exert complete control over them.
Plantation owners preferred slaves over indentured servants because slaves were seen as a lifelong source of labor, whereas indentured servants typically worked for a set period before gaining their freedom. Slaves were also considered property that could be bought and sold, providing plantation owners with a greater sense of control and power. Additionally, the racial hierarchy of the time made slaves a more socially acceptable form of labor exploitation.
Slaves cost much less: to buy and to care for than indentured servants.
they coulld use slaves longer
Having white servants as well as slaves
Plantation owners preferred slaves over indentured servants because slaves were considered lifelong property with no legal rights or protections, ensuring a cheap and permanent labor force. Slaves also provided a better return on investment over time compared to indentured servants, who were temporary and could eventually gain freedom and become competition in the labor market.
By denying them privileges granted to indentured servants