What did indentured servants want when their contracts were done?
When the contracts of indentured servants were done, they typically desired several things:
1. Freedom: The primary goal for indentured servants was to gain their freedom after completing their contracts. They hoped to no longer be bound to their master or employer and desired the ability to live and work independently, free from contractual obligations.
2. Land or property: Many indentured servants hoped to acquire land or property of their own after completing their contracts. This was often a motivation for immigrating to the colonies, where the availability of land was greater compared to their home countries.
3. Economic opportunities: Indentured servants sought improved economic prospects after their contracts ended. They desired the chance to establish themselves as independent farmers, tradespeople, or artisans, and to earn income for their labor rather than being bound by a fixed contract.
4. Social mobility: Indentured servants aspired to improve their social status after completing their contracts. They wanted to move up the social ladder, potentially joining the ranks of the middling classes, which included small landowners, merchants, or skilled workers.
5. Basic rights and protections: After their contracts ended, indentured servants wanted to be recognized as free individuals with certain rights and protections under the law. This included the right to enter into contracts of their choosing, own property, marry without permission, and be free from physical punishments or mistreatment.
It's important to note that the extent to which indentured servants achieved these aspirations varied based on factors such as region, economic conditions, social hierarchies, and individual circumstances.
When the contracts of indentured servants were completed, they typically wanted several things:
1. Freedom: The primary goal of indentured servants was to obtain their freedom and put an end to their contractual obligations. Once their term of service was over, they sought to regain their autonomy and no longer be bound to their masters.
2. Land and Property: Many indentured servants aspired to acquire land or property once they gained their freedom. They often aimed to establish their own farms or businesses and become self-sufficient landowners.
3. Financial Independence: Indentured servants desired financial stability and independence. They hoped to earn enough money during their contracted period to start a new life, potentially by gaining employment or engaging in entrepreneurial ventures.
4. Education and Skills: Some indentured servants were eager to acquire new skills and knowledge during their period of service. With the completion of their contracts, they aimed to use these acquired skills to enhance their employment prospects or pursue further education opportunities.
5. Opportunity for Better Life: Indentured servants often sought a better life after their contracts ended. This might include improved living conditions, social mobility, and the ability to make decisions about their own lives.
It is important to note that the experiences and aspirations of indentured servants varied significantly, and their desires upon completing their contracts depended on individual circumstances and opportunities available to them.
When indentured servants' contracts were completed, they typically hoped to achieve a few different outcomes:
1. Freedom: The primary objective of indentured servants was to gain their freedom after serving a fixed term of service. This would allow them to no longer be bound to their masters and have the freedom to make independent choices about their lives.
2. Land: Some indentured servants desired to acquire their own land after completing their contracts. They aspired to have the opportunity to establish their own farms or businesses and become self-sufficient.
3. Economic Opportunities: Indentured servants often sought better economic prospects when their contracts ended. Many desired to gain new employment opportunities, either through becoming skilled workers or finding higher-paying jobs that would provide them with financial stability.
4. Social Mobility: For some indentured servants, completing their contracts was a path to social mobility. They hoped to improve their social status, move up the social ladder, and potentially establish themselves as members of the free population.
To find more specific details about what indentured servants wanted when their contracts were done, you can consult various historical sources such as diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts from that time period. Additionally, reading scholarly articles, books, or accessing archives related to the history of indentured servitude would provide valuable insights.