The first difference between the two was how they got to the colonies. Indentured servants came with an agreement with the employer to work toward their future freedom. Slaves were forcefully brought to the colonies against their will. They did not have an agreement for freedom after a certain number of years of work. Most indentured servants came from the distressed economy of Europe, while slaves came from Africa.
Another difference was the treatment they received. Indentured servants were treated much better than slaves. They were given better housing and, upon release, often given food and some property. The contract usually spelled out the exact length and the benefits the indentured servant would receive at the end. Slaves lived a harsh life compared to the indentured servant. Their living conditions were crowded, and they were not given as many benefits as servants. Enslavement simply meant a rougher treatment than a contractual agreement.
Slaves and indentured servants both made up a significant portion of the workforce during the early days of the English Colonies. Both slaves and indentured servants worked without pay, but they had many differences.
Slaves were brought from Africa to the New World against their will. Once they arrived, they were usually sold at a slave auction to the highest bidder. Once sold, a slave would have to spend the rest of his or her life working for a master. The slaveowner provided housing, food, and other basic necessities, but no wages.
Indentured servants were typically from Europe. They willingly entered into a contract with an employer in which they would work without pay for a set term. These terms were usually not more than seven years. In exchange for their years of service, the employer would provide housing, food, and often passage by ship across the Atlantic Ocean.
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