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2.2 The Coming of The English
2.2 The Coming of The English
2.2 The Coming of The English
English Emigrants:
● 17th century - dangerous environment
○ Diseases, religious/political/economic tensions, imperial wars, conflicts w/ N.A.
● Bad economic conditions in England → more willing emigrants
● 1607-1700: many left for Ireland, West Indies (sugar cultivation → riches)
● Chesapeake area: tobacco-producing colonies of Virginia and Maryland
○ Constant demand for cheap labor
● Newcomers: single, young, men from bottom of society
Indentured Servants:
● 2/3 of settlers, voluntarily surrendered freedom for a time in exchange for passage to
America
● Could be bought and sold, not marry without owner’s permission, subject to physical
punishment, obligated to labor
● Law lengthened term of pregnant indentured servants
● Received freedom payment dues
● High death rate, New World less appealing