Indentured Servant
A worker in a contract with an employer for a certain length of time
Real World Example
In the English Colonies from 1600-1800, indentured servants were people who worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America, room, and board. This system was important because it helped populate the colonies and provided labor for growing plantations and businesses. Many people from Europe who couldn't afford to travel took this opportunity, hoping for a better life after their contract ended. Today, the idea of working to repay a debt or for a future reward is still relevant, seen in student loans where individuals work towards paying off their education over time. This concept matters because it highlights the importance of opportunity and fair treatment in exchange for labor, affecting decisions about work and contracts in our everyday lives.