Which of the following excerpts from Gottlieb Mittelberger’s Journey to Pennsylvania describes the fact that indentured servants took part in forced labor for a number of years, but not forever?(1 point)

Question

Responses

“Many parents must sell and trade away their children like so many head of cattle ; for if their children take the debt upon themselves, the parents can leave the ship free and unrestrained; but as the parents often do not know where and to what people their children are going, it often happens that such parents and children, after leaving the ship, do not see each other again for many years, perhaps no more in all their lives.”
“Many parents must sell and trade away their children like so many head of cattle ; for if their children take the debt upon themselves, the parents can leave the ship free and unrestrained; but as the parents often do not know where and to what people their children are going, it often happens that such parents and children, after leaving the sh

Answer 1

The excerpt that best captures the idea that indentured servants took part in forced labor for a limited time (but not forever) is the following:

“Many parents must sell and trade away their children like so many head of cattle; for if their children take the debt upon themselves, the parents can leave the ship free and unrestrained; but as the parents often do not know where and to what people their children are going, it often happens that such parents and children, after leaving the ship, do not see each other again for many years, perhaps no more in all their lives.”

This excerpt emphasizes the temporary nature of the debt incurred by the children, suggesting that while indentured servitude is a significant commitment, it does not last indefinitely. The focus on separation and potential reunion after a long period indicates that the servitude has an end point, aligning with the idea that it is forced labor only for a number of years.