Slavery arrived in the colonies in 1619 so the colonies started with slavery.
Indentured servitude
Indentured servitude
Indentured servitude
The southern colonies relied on both indentured servitude and slavery to support their labor-intensive agricultural economy. Indentured servants provided a low-cost labor source for a temporary period, while slavery provided a more permanent and exploitable workforce to meet the demand for labor on plantations. This dual system allowed the colonies to sustain their profitable cash crop production.
Indentured servitude was outlawed in the United States with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
Delaware had both slavery and indentured servitude during its early history. While slavery became more prevalent over time, indentured servants were common in the 17th century as a way for individuals to work off debts or secure passage to the colonies.
england
Slavery replaced the system of indentured servitude in many parts of the world, including the American colonies. Slavery involved the forced labor of individuals for the benefit of their owners, without the promise of eventual freedom.
In 1735, Maryland had a system that relied heavily on slavery for labor. Indentured servitude was also present but was not as prevalent as slavery. Slavery was deeply entrenched in the economy and society of Maryland during this time period.
Thirteenth amendment
The Headright system was a land distribution method used in the American colonies, particularly in Virginia, where settlers received parcels of land for each person they brought to the colony, including indentured servants. Over time, as the demand for labor increased and the supply of willing indentured servants decreased, planters turned to black slavery for a more permanent and controlled labor force. Slavery became more economically advantageous due to its perpetual nature, while indentured servitude was temporary and often involved the risk of rebellion or leaving once contracts expired. This shift marked a significant transition in the labor system in the colonies.
The southern colonies had both. The indentured servants were most likely prisoners.