Economically, it made more sense to contract for indentured servants than to purchase slaves because

Question

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The economic rationale for preferring indentured servants over slaves in certain contexts was significantly influenced by the low life expectancy rates of laborers in the New World. Employers often opted for indentured servants because the initial investment was lower and, given the high mortality rates, there was a chance that a slave, who was much more expensive, might not live long enough to justify the cost. Indentured servitude allowed for a fixed term of service after which the servant would be free, making it a less permanent investment than slavery, which was for the slave's lifetime. This was particularly relevant in areas with harsh working conditions where the likelihood of any laborer surviving for a long period was low.

Economically, It Made More Sense to Contract for Indentured Servants