Indentured Servitude - Colonial America

This lesson explores the lives of indentured servants in Colonial America, focusing on their reasons for becoming indentured, the conditions they faced, and their hopes for freedom and land. Students will learn about the historical context and personal experiences through video analysis, primary source examination, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of indentured servitude on American society and the transition to slavery.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss the historical context of indentured servitude in Colonial America and its significance.
Introduce today’s keywords: Indentured Servitude, Contract, Freedom Dues, Master, Servitude.

Video Task:
Watch a video on indentured servitude.
List five adjectives that best describe the conditions they worked in and had to endure.

Primary Source Analysis:
Examine sources such as contracts, diary entries, and government reports to understand the lives of indentured servants.
Discuss the reliability of each source and whether they suggest conditions were poor or acceptable.

Guided Reading Activity:
Complete the guided reading activity.
Subtitle each paragraph, write down three key facts, and look up any unknown words.

The First Colonial Rebellion:
Learn about Bacon’s Rebellion, its causes, and its impact on colonial policies.
Discuss the role of indentured servants in the rebellion and how it influenced the shift towards slavery.

Categorisation Task:
In pairs, look through different sources about life as an indentured servant.
Discuss which sources show poor conditions and which suggest there was no need to mutiny.
Justify the reliability of each source.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining whether becoming an indentured servant led to a better life.
Use the PEEKA planning sheet for guidance.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on the broader implications of indentured servitude on American society and its transition to slavery.

Recap Quiz:
Why did many Europeans become indentured servants in Colonial America?
What were the main benefits indentured servants hoped to receive after completing their contracts?
What were the working conditions like for indentured servants?
What role did indentured servants play in Bacon’s Rebellion?
What were the long-term impacts of indentured servitude on American society?

Resources:
Video link on indentured servitude
Primary source documents
Guided reading text
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet
Recap quiz questions