The Marginalization of Poor People in Colonial America: A Hidden History

Why does little attention is paid to the poor or the experiences of indentured servants in Colonial America? This question has puzzled historians and scholars for decades. The reasons for this historical omission are multifaceted, with Lack of Data being a key factor.

Data and Historical Records

The vast majority of poor people in Colonial America were illiterate and left few records. Data from this period is scarce, leading to limited historical sources to research and understand their lives. Modern films sometimes reference their presence, but these references are infrequent.

Academic Insights from John Demos

Some scholars, including John Demos, offer valuable insights into the lives of poor people in Colonial America. His book, A Little Commonwealth: Family Life in Plymouth Colony, expands upon knowlege about family life during this period. While his work is informative and entertaining, it is still a small portion of the overall narrative of Colonial America.

Survival and Mortality Rates

Despite the limited sources, historical records reveal that many indentured servants died before completing their terms of service. The mortality rate was extremely high, with many vital considering the outcomes of this period. Sources, such as The Indentured Servants in Colonial Virginia, document the vulnerabilities these individuals faced. The average survival rate was disappointing, with estimates suggesting as many as 40% of indentured servants perishing before receiving their freedom.

Racial Inequality and Social Mobility

In the Colonial North, a similar phenomenon was observed, with a considerable percentage of indentured servants dying. Documents and historical sources paint a bleak picture of these individuals' struggles.

White Trash and Documentary Gaps

The book "White Trash" by Nancy Isenberg, discusses the underclass in Colonial America. However, one criticism often leveled at this work is that it infrequently references primary documents written by those from the underclass. Proponents of including slaves' perspectives argue that books on slavery should contain more diverse voicess.

The Transition from Indentured Servitude to Slavery

The transition from indentured servitude to slavery in the South is illuminated in the book "The Reason America Adopted Race-Based Slavery". The system of indenture slowly replaced by the institution of slavery, characterized by racism and discrimination. The land left behind by indentured servants often became unsuitable for agriculture, leading to the expulsion of these individuals from their homes. This led to conflicts and rebellions, exemplified in the Bacon's Rebellion, in which indentured servants, African slaves, and poor whites joined forces against the elite.

Conclusion

The experiences of poor people in Colonial America remain underdocumented. This oversight is not accidental, but a result of the historical gap in data. Future research must address these omissions to fully understand the complexity of Colonial America's societal structures.