Why did immigrants from England and elsewhere enter into indentured servitude?

  • Most indentured servants were tricked or even kidnapped and forced into service.
  • Indentured servants were all promised 50 acres of land upon completion of their term of service.
  • Indentured servitude in the New World exempted one from required military service back home.
  • Immigrants hoped that a period of indentured servitude would lead to a new, prosperous life in the Americas.