Why Would a Volunteer Become an Indentured Servant - Essay Example

?Running head: HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE History and Political Science (school) History and Political Science Questions Why would a person volunteer to become an indentured servant? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of this association? The life of an indentured servant mostly arises out of an economic necessity. A person would volunteer to be an indentured servant because of the difficult economic circumstances he may find himself in. The need for cheap labor first gave rise to indentured servitude, as the original settlers in America saw that they had a lot of land to care for but no one to care for them (PBS, 2011). Passage into the American colonies during the period of colonization was only possible for the wealthy, and this prevented those from the lower economic rungs from booking passage into the colonies. In order to entice potential laborers into the colonies, the system of indentured servitude was conceptualized; and soon after, these individuals became an integral part of the colonial economy (PBS, 2011). An indentured servant’s life would come about due to skilled and unskilled laborers finding themselves without work. Due to the necessity of finding any type of work to support themselves and their families, indentured servitude came about. There are various advantages and disadvantages to this practice. It is advantageous because it provides immediate economic relief to jobless laborers (PBS, 2011). In effect, it gives them the opportunity to gain employment, even with their salaries being less than ideal for them and their families. It is a preferable choice for them as compared to their unemployed status, to which they credit more undefined hardships. Disadvantages to this practice are however also apparent. For one, it is a practice open to abuse because employers are paying these laborers less than what they deserve. Although the laborers are indeed able to fill in their temporary needs; in the long-run, they are not getting what they fairly deserve for their labors. Consequently, they are enriching employers who are only after their cheap labor and hard work. This is a practice which can be considered the precedent for slavery, and in the years which followed the transport of Black Africans to America and the British Empire, slavery eventually found its unfortunate place. But there is no denying the travails that these indentured servants went through with their work and accommodations being less than ideal; they were also treated harshly for their wrongdoings (PBS, 2011). These laborers also had difficulty in eventually gaining freedom from their servitude; however, it was still a better deal than the conditions seen among slaves who were not given the right to be free of their slavery. 2. How did life in the British colonies contribute to creating a unique American identity? How do you see that identity manifested in modern American society? The life in the British colonies contributed in creating a unique American identity. Originally, the colonies were fashioned by ideas of prosperity, literacy, and improvements in religion and thought (Teacher Web, n.d). Land ownership in the colonies was also seen as a means of becoming wealthy. In turn, wealth was seen as part of one’s social status, and the colonies were in the middle of these ranks. Land ownership was also associated with the right to vote, hence, land ownership was a highly sought privilege. It motivated many men to work hard and to seek improved lifestyles for themselves and their families (Teacher Web, n.d). The colonists felt united as Americans before the start of the revolution; however, they had a longer time in gaining their identity as a people. They were also highly suspicious of each other, and this caused delays in their identity as colonials. However, these delays were eventually resolved as they started to preserve their rights and to express actions seeking to gain their independence from Britain. It was important for them to put aside their differences, unite against Britain, and gain their freedom due to the control which the Empire still imposed over their lives, even away from the physical control of the Empire. During the French and Indian wars they were forced to unite as colonials and to protect theirs as well as the interests of Britain. Fighting with each other against the French also meant that they would have a better opportunity to gain independence and to expand their territory (Charlotte, 2000). The colonists’ life away from British rule and dominance gave them a taste for democracy and self-rule; and this gave them their initial identity as Americans. The physical distance between the colonials and their mother country, Britain, made it difficult for Britain to exercise control over its territory. This gave way to a lenient attitude towards the colonials. Even with Britain trying hard to exert control over the colonials through the imposition of the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act, and similar declarations, the colonials were still prompted to express their independence from their mother country; in fact, British efforts to exert control, further strengthened colonial resolve to be free of Britain control. The acts of the colonists to gain more independence is still apparent today with America’s firm stand on democracy and independence and how America protects the exercise of such rights within and outside its territories. America is known as the very symbol of democracy today as it has resolved to protect its own against those who seek to violate such democratic rule and how it seeks to protect the rights of other states against foreign invaders. 3. You have been called to a town meeting to present a case for supporting the revolt against King George III. What three arguments would you present to state your case? Explain these arguments. I would first argue that King George is a tyrant wanting to exert his authority and unfair rule on a people seeking a legitimate claim to independence. I would argue that it is the right of every person to seek and fight for his independence – and to take it by force, if necessary from those who have oppressive and selfish goals in denying it. I would argue that each person has the right to be free of control from tyrannical powers, and a revolt is justified under the auspices of democracy and a man’s inherent right to independence (Elton, 2007). I would argue that freedom and independence from King George’s rule must be sought and protected by the people united against a common purpose. I would also argue that King George was being unreasonable and illogical. In fact, historians characterize King George III for being unreasonably aggressive against those who opposed his rule and his decisions as a leader (Elton, 2007). He was stubborn and angry against those who dared to go against him. I would argue that following such an unreasonable leader is not a logical decision because an effective leader must be one who epitomizes a calm and wise attitude. Being stubborn would give rise to an unhealthy rule and governance. It endangers the welfare of the people, as well as the government as whole. I would therefore argue that distancing ourselves from his rule would ensure that our welfare as a people would be secured and protected. Lastly, I would argue that King George was placing unnecessary burdens on the colonies through the taxes he was imposing (Elton, 2007). I would argue that as we were continuing to oppose him, the more that he would impose taxes on us. It was therefore proper for us to revolt against him and gain our independence once and for all. This cyclical nature of abuse and continuing taxes can only reasonably end with a war (Elton, 2007). If the King was being unreasonable in terms of granting reprieve to the people, then the only way to be free of such rule would be to exert force. His purpose in imposing taxes was also prompted by his need to gain as much profit as he could from the colonials. Moreover, his continued imposition of policies in retaliation of colonial displays of independence, were themselves reasonable triggers for a revolt. I would argue that King George III’s actions are not the actions of a leader which must be respected or supported. As such, a revolt against him is highly justified. 4. Provide three examples of differences in economic and social development between the Northern and Southern colonies. What affect did slavery have on these differences? There were various economic and social differences between the northern and southern colonies. These differences eventually led to the Civil War in America. In the north, the economy was based on industry and this led to much benefit and advantages for them; however, the actual and greater economic gain was seen in the exports of tobacco which was cultivated by the slaves in the southern colonies. Twenty percent of the laborers were African Americans, and 90% of these African-Americans were slaves (Radcliffe, 2007). Diversity in the States came from the collection of northern, middle, and southern colonies; and these three groups of colonies had different views in politics, religion, social, and economic beliefs. The Puritans were the first to occupy the northern colonies in New England (Hagen, 2007). The Puritan beliefs were highly influential to the New England way of life; but the Quakers soon started to populate Massachusetts and these Quakers believed that the Bible was not necessary to worship God; and this prompted the Puritans to treat these Quakers badly. These Quakers started to colonize the middle colonies soon after; other religions also followed, populating New York and the New Jersey areas. In the spirit of religious freedom, William Penn declared every settler in Pennsylvania was free to exercise his faith and his own form or worship towards God (Hagen, 2007). Religion in the southern colonies was not as actively exercised in New England as in the northern and southern colonies. Although the colonists in the south were mostly Anglicans, most of their veneration was directed towards the tobacco plantations. This was also more or less the same for the Catholics in Maryland. As the tobacco industry took flight in Maryland and in many parts of the southern territories, religion took a back seat (Hagen, 2007). Politics was also different in the colonies with the northern territories prompted by the charter to converge as a body known as the General Court. This court conceptualized the laws ruled the company. It also ruled that freemen could only be the male church members and only these freemen could validly make governmental decisions (Hagen, 2007). The southern colonies were ruled by the House of Burgesses and the King of England was its royal governor; the board of commissioners was in charge of the judicial and administrative issues in their assigned areas. Slavery became a crucial part of the American Civil War as the southern colonists relied on these slaves for much of their tobacco profits. However, the northern colonies were wholly against the practice of slavery. This triggered the start of the Civil War. 5. The Great Awakening and the Enlightenment were two powerful forces in shaping the evolving culture of the colonies. Which force, if either, do you think had a greater influence, and why is that the case. In the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, America welcomed various changes in its society. The cities eventually became seaports and the southern areas of America became the major contributors in its economy (History King, 2011). Many migrants entered America and more labor for the plantations was gained. This period of economic growth led to two periods of revivals which brought forth significant effects for American religion, governance and human nature (History King, 2011). The period of Enlightenment highlighted the impact of religion and divine right, while the Great Awakening focused on uniting the colonies and implementing the acceptance of religious tolerance. In considering the impact of these two movements, I am more inclined to believe that the Great Awakening in Colonial America had a greater influence in evolving the culture of the colonies. The spiritual revival shared by the North and the Southern colonies eventually united the people in their thrust against slavery (Kelly, 2011). Changes in society cannot actually be implemented if the basic beliefs on basic individual freedoms were not protected, as in the beliefs related to slavery. The Great Awakening had more impact in the evolution of the culture of the colonies because it justified the people’s need for reassurance and religious purpose (Kelly, 2011). These practices also led to the establishment of different religious sects in America; more religious tolerance was also seen. The traditional beliefs in the clergy was challenged and by association, also the authority of the King. There was no stronger way of opposing British rule than with the initial expressions of protestations against the Empire. The Great Awakening was able to impose individual religious experience over the church doctrines, thereinafter reducing the impact of clergy and the church in various instances. In this era, new sects were also seen and this led to a greater emphasis on individual faith. In effect, this led to the unification of the colonies, and such unification was greater than any act of unification seen in the colonies. What was achieved by the period of Enlightenment was also achieved and seen during the Great Awakening, but the latter’s achieved goals were more significant in America’s history as it laid the foundation for the beliefs of freedom and democracy. These beliefs became the foundations of the revolution which led to the American Civil War. These beliefs also served as the foundations of American life and democracy. Works Cited Charlotte, D. (2000). Unity and Identity of the American Colonies. Teenink.com. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/all/article/57974/Unity-and-Identity-of-the-American-Colonies/ Teacher Web. (n.d). Chapter 5: Beginning of an American Identity 1689–1763. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://teacherweb.com/ny/tuckahoemiddleschool/socialstudies7/chapter5summary.pdf Elton, M. (2007). King George III. Scribd.com. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/331445/King-George-III Hagen, T. (2007). Major Differences Between The Colonies. In My Opinion. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://trexxpublishing.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/major-differences-between-the-colonies/ History King. (2011). The Great Awakening And Enlightenment In Colonial America. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://www.historyking.com/American-History/The-Great-Awakening-And-Enlightenment-In-Colonial-America.html Kelly, M. (2011). The Great Awakening. About.com. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://americanhistory.about.com/od/colonialamerica/p/great_awakening.htm PBS. (2011). Indentured Servants In The U.S. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/indentured-servants-in-the-us/ Radcliffe, R. (2007). Comparing America's northern and southern colonies. Helium.com. Retrieved 31 August 2011 from http://www.helium.com/items/365166-Colonial-Early-American Read More