In the realm of economics, the importance of slaves went well beyond the wealth generated from their uncompensated labor. Slavery was the flywheel on which America’s market revolution turned -- not just in the United States, but in all of the Americas. Enslaved peoples were investments
(purchased and then rented out as laborers), credit (used to secure loans), property, commodities, and capital, making them an odd mix of abstract and concrete value. Collateral for loans and items for speculation, slaves were also objects of nostalgia, mementos of a fading aristocratic world even as they served as the coin for the creation of a new commercialized one.
Slaves literally made money: working in Lima’s mint, they trampled quicksilver into ore with their bare feet, pressing toxic Mercury into their bloodstream in order to amalgamate the silver used for coins. And they were money -- at least in a way. It wasn’t that the value of individual slaves was standardized in relation to currency, but that slaves were quite literally the standard. When appraisers calculated the value of any given hacienda, or estate, slaves usually accounted for over half of its worth; they were, that is, much more valuable than inanimate capital goods like tools and millworks. Follow the money.
A slave owner would likely prefer to use slaves, as they have no restrictions on their labor and are considered property. Indentured servants have contracts with set terms and conditions, making them less controllable compared to slaves.
House slaves and field slaves both experienced harsh living conditions and were subjected to physical and emotional abuse by their owners. They were both treated as property rather than as human beings with rights and were often separated from their families. Additionally, both groups were essential to the operation of the plantation economy in the United States.
African slaves did not make any wages whatsoever. The concept of slavery is that the person is forced into service by threat of violence. They did receive some food and shelter, and were occasionally treated well.
Passage of Fugitive Slave Act in 1850 meant increased penalties against fugitive slaves and those who aided them. This lead many slaves to leave US territory altogether and seek refuge in Canada to evade US law.
In 1860, about 32% of Southern families owned slaves, but the total percentage of the population in the South that owned slaves was around 25%. This means that a significant portion of the Southern population did not own slaves.
Landowners may prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves are considered property and have lifelong servitude, while indentured servants have a set period of servitude and can demand compensation or freedom after their term is complete. This gives landowners more control and long-term labor security with slaves.
Since slavery was for life, I slave provided more years of work. Apex
Landowners may prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves are considered property with no time limit on their labor, while indentured servants have a set term of service and can negotiate for their rights. Slaves also provide a more stable and long-term workforce compared to indentured servants who may leave once their contract is fulfilled. Additionally, slaves can be seen as a permanent source of labor that can be inherited and passed down through generations.
Landowners might prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves were seen as a permanent labor force that could provide long-term economic benefits. Slaves were considered property that could be bought, sold, and inherited, providing a sense of control and ownership that was not possible with indentured servants who had fixed terms of service. Additionally, the institution of slavery allowed landowners to exploit and profit from free labor without having to worry about wages, contracts, or the expiration of servitude.
Afterward, Virginia landowners used more slaves and fewer servants.
Landowners would prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves were seen as a permanent source of labor without a time limit on their service, while indentured servants had contracts that ended after a specific period. Slaves were also considered property that could be bought and sold, providing the landowner with greater control. Additionally, the system of slavery was based on race and allowed for the perpetuation of wealth and power within a specific group.
Landowners preferred using slaves over indentured servants because slaves provided a lifetime of unpaid labor, while indentured servants worked under a limited contract. Slaves were considered property and could be bought and sold, providing a stable source of labor. Additionally, slaves were seen as a long-term investment, as their children also became slaves, ensuring a generational workforce.
Landowners used slaves because they provided a lifetime of labor with minimal upfront costs, while indentured servants had set terms of service and eventually gained their freedom. Slaves were seen as a long-term investment, while indentured servants were a temporary labor solution. Additionally, slaves were often considered property, providing greater control and power to the landowner.
Slaves could be counted on to be more loyal to their masters, and slaves are property and can be bought and sold. Indentured servants are contractually obligated to work for their employer for a fixed amount of time after which they can leave.
Slaves were property and they were owned by the plantation owners. All slaves were African Americans and could be identified as slaves. Indentured servants were white people that was working off a 7 year contract. If they wanted they could break the contract and fade into the population.
Landowners preferred using slaves over indentured servants because slaves were seen as a lifelong and inheritable source of labor, while indentured servants could only work for a limited period of time. Slaves were also considered to be a more profitable and reliable workforce as they were seen as a long-term investment. Additionally, the racial hierarchy of the time often justified the use of slaves over indentured servants.
Landowners might prefer using slaves over indentured servants because slaves were seen as property, ensuring a more permanent and lifetime source of labor. Slaves also lacked legal rights and were considered to be under total control of their owners, offering more control and flexibility for landowners. Additionally, the slave system was entrenched in a racial hierarchy that perpetuated inequality and ensured a continuous supply of labor through the transatlantic slave trade.