The development of the New World colonies was established through the use of both indentured servants and slavery. In the beginning of colonization, indentured servants were the primary source of labor for the early settlements. The growth of the New World led to an increase in demand for cheap and efficient labor. As the number of indentured servants diminished, the slave trade began to flourish. The trading of slaves endured for hundreds of years, becoming more important to the colonies than indentured servants. What factors led to the transition from indentured servitude to slavery? The transition can be seen by examining economic factors, the decline in numbers of indentured servants, the need for cheap labor, and the concept of mercantilism to establish profitable colonies in the New World.

Indentured servitude was the process of a servant binding himself or herself by contract to a ship captain for a specified length of time, usually four to seven years (1). In return, the captain agreed to transport the servant across the Atlantic and into the colonies. Upon arrival, the servants were sold on an

Mercantilism became a driving force for the slave trade, focusing on the importance of economy. Mercantilism came to light during the 17th century during the decline of the Spanish Empire. It was a set of policies that was centered on the economy of a nation, rather than the military or silver that paid for them (9). Power is derived from the wealth of a nation. The increase of wealth required vigorous trade, and the colonies had become essential to that growth. By creating economic incentives, a state could induce its people to engage in activities that would increase not just their own wealth and power but that of the whole country. In order to achieve a system of a profitable economy, there needed to be a stable and cheap workforce in the colonies, thus the African slaves became important.

The decreasing population combined with a need for a labor force and the desire for economic growth, led colonists to believe that African slaves were the most efficient way to acquire a labor force that would satisfy their needs. Slave trading and slavery were important in building the colonial empires of European nations and in generating the wealth that later produced the industrial revolution. In addition, the slave trade created the lines of communication for the movement of crops, agricultural techniques, diseases, and medical knowledge between Africa, Europe and America (5). It was much easier for the Europeans to pick up slaves in Africa, sail to the colonies, and then use them for inexpensive labor. The slave trade became three continent affair that involved Europe, Africa, and the New World (6).

The tran

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