What is the headright system Yahoo Answers?

Answer 1

The headright system was a land distribution method used in the American colonies, particularly in Virginia and Maryland, during the 17th century. Under this system, individuals were granted a certain amount of land, typically 50 acres, for each person they brought to the colonies, including indentured servants. This incentivized migration and settlement, as landowners could acquire large tracts of land by sponsoring others. The system eventually contributed to the expansion of plantations and the demand for labor, leading to the increased use of enslaved people.