The Institution of Slavery in the North American Colonies

The Institution of slavery in the North American Colonies


Several factors contributed to the institution of slavery in the North American Colonies. The most important factor was the lack of willing immigrants coming to America. The diminishing amount of available land in the colonies, the improving conditions in England, and the rough conditions of being an indentured servant all contributed to the slowing immigration and the growing need for labor in the New World.
Before the late eighteenth century, the majority of the immigrants coming to the New World were white. A “surplus” population in England and new laws that permitted only the eldest son to inherit land lead to a great migration of the people to the colonies in search for prosperity and land. For these young and penniless men, becoming an indentured servant was a popular option. Indentured servant would pledge about seven years labor for their master in return for free passage to the New World and “freed...