In what way was the life of an indentured servant different from that of a slave?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The indentured servant could leave their masters at any time by agreeing to work elsewhere and pay a fine to the master; a slave could buy his freedom only with the master’s permission.
The indentured servant could leave their masters at any time by agreeing to work elsewhere and pay a fine to the master; a slave could buy his freedom only with the master’s permission.

The servant worked for a set number of years and received a set of clothes, tools, and 50 acres of land afterward; a slave received nothing.
The servant worked for a set number of years and received a set of clothes, tools, and 50 acres of land afterward; a slave received nothing.

A slave could be whipped for disobeying the master, but an indentured servant’s punishment was less severe.
A slave could be whipped for disobeying the master, but an indentured servant’s punishment was less severe.

A master could work a slave almost to death; an indentured servant’s workday was limited to 10 hours.

Answer 1

The life of an indentured servant was different from that of a slave in several key ways, but the most accurate distinction among the provided options is:

The servant worked for a set number of years and received a set of clothes, tools, and 50 acres of land afterward; a slave received nothing.

This option highlights the fundamental difference in the nature of their commitments and the compensation offered to indentured servants, who worked under contract for a specific period and were promised rewards afterward, unlike slaves who were owned for life and had no such guarantees.