June 19, 2013

Writing Assignment 1

U.S History I

During the Colonial Periods of the 17th and 18th century many people came to America as indentured servants. There were many reasons for these people to choose to come to America, but the most prominent is that each was seeking a better life for him or herself. The personal accounts in the readings gives us different views as to the way these indentured servants were treated as well as to the reasons that one would leave his or her native land to become an indentured servant. These personal accounts also help us to understand why the African slavery force took over and replaced the European indentured servants. Many people came as an indentured servant thinking this was a way to a better life in America. Many of these immigrants financed their migration by signing a contract that obligated them to a certain amount of time or “fixed term”. After completion of their time they were to receive their freedom and enjoy all the privileges of America. Unfortunately this was usually not the case. Mittelberger stated that those why have no formal contracts “were auctioned off to the highest bidder upon arrival”. He later wrote a book explaining the dangers of migrating to the new world. These personal accounts give us a grim view of the quality of life for the indentured servant. Mittlelberger gave us the best description of the troubles of these people as soon as they boarded the ship. Many became sick and died on the six month journey to this new world. For those who were lucky enough to survive a lot of times there were indentured not only for themselves but also for their loved ones whom had died. The sad part for this is that sometimes it out children into “slavery” to pay off their parent’s debt. Once those that did survive the trip arrive at their new destination it became very clear it was not