GASA01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Debt Bondage, Institute For Operations Research And The Management Sciences
Document Summary
Indentured labor is basically a man or woman putting a mark on a contract that sacrifices their freedom. It"s essentially no different from slavery, the main difference is the contract. The labor and work were no less shameful and excessive as slaves. The journey would last between 10 to 20 weeks. The conditions of the ships were basically the same as the ones used for slaves. In 1857 the mortality rate of indians traveling across the ocean was upwards of 15% due to diseases. Petitions were sent to the agents of the government who managed the indenture system. Additionally, sabotage and plans for revolt were held several times as well, however, the result was only greater repression and violence. Eventually, the leader of the indian freedom movement, mahatma gandhi, campaginged against the labor in the early 20th century. Ultimately, he won and the indentured system was abolished by the british in 1917.
