Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonial Pennsylvania justified maintaining a system of indentured labor for several reasons. One of the main justifications was that it provided a free source of labor, which was badly needed in the colonies. Indentured servants were individuals who signed a contract, or indenture, to work for a certain number of years in exchange for passage to the colonies. They were typically poor individuals who could not afford the cost of the journey themselves.
By utilizing indentured labor, colonial Pennsylvania was able to address the labor shortage that existed in the early years of settlement. This was especially important in industries such as agriculture, where a large workforce was needed to clear land, plant crops, and harvest produce. Indentured servants helped meet this demand for labor, and their work contributed to the economic development and growth of the colony.
It's important to note that the system of indentured labor in colonial Pennsylvania was not exclusively applied to Africans in the colonies. While there were enslaved Africans in Pennsylvania, the majority of indentured servants were actually Europeans who sought opportunities for a better life in the colonies. Many were young men and women who were looking for employment, education, or the chance to start a new life in a different country.
Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that although the system of indentured labor shared some similarities with the British system of debt slavery, it was not an exact replica. In the British system, individuals who couldn't pay their debts were often sent to work in labor camps until their debts were repaid. In contrast, indentured servants in colonial Pennsylvania willingly entered into contracts and agreed to work for a specified period of time in exchange for their passage and other benefits.
In summary, colonial Pennsylvania justified maintaining a system of indentured labor because it provided a free source of labor, which was necessary for the economic development of the colony. This system was not limited to Africans, but rather included individuals from various backgrounds who sought opportunities in the New World. While it had some similarities to the British system of debt slavery, it was distinct in that indentured servants entered into voluntary contracts rather than being forced into labor.