Colonial Social Roles

These were men and women who did not have the money to pay for passage to the colonies. Upon arrival to the colony, they agreed to work without pay for 5-7 years. At the end of their contract, they were free.

• Free African American
• Small Farmer
• Indentured Servant
• Large Landowner

They were allowed to own land and had economic freedom. They were free to work for money and controlled how they managed their money. They were not allowed to vote.

• Women
• Free African American
• Artisan
• Enslaved African American

They lived mostly in the South and relied on indentured servants and/or enslaved African-Americans to farm their land. Some were educated and enjoyed a rich social culture.

• Large Landowner
• Indentured Servant
• Small Farmer
• Women

Their roles included caretakers, house-workers, and homemakers. They had few opportunities for education and were not permitted to vote.

• Enslaved African American
• Indentured Servant
• Artisan
• Women

These people were captured in their native Africa and sold to slave traders. They were shipped to the colonies and sold into slavery, owned as property without rights for life. Children of these people were born into slavery.  

• Indentured Servant
• Enslaved African American
• Free African American
• Large Landowner

They worked as craftsmen in towns and plantations. They lived in small villages and towns. Examples of their jobs are carpenter, blacksmith, seamstress, and wheelwright.

• Free African American
• Small Farmer
• Artisan
• Women

These people worked on the land and were represented in each colonial region. They relied on family members for labor in farming the land.

• Farmer
• Large Landowner
• Indentured Servant
• Enslaved African American

Ah, the smoky smell of the shop. I love it. After twenty five years, it's a part of me. Mrs. McGrady just ordered some pieces for her fireplace. I think I'll give young Peter a try at them. He's been a promising apprentice so far.

• Artisan

• Merchant

• Farmer

• Large landowner

My name is Daniel. I was born on this plantation 8 years ago. My father works hard in the field all day long. Master sold my mother and sister when I was 5. Someday I will find them. It will help that every day, I meet in secret with Rebecca who has been teaching me to read.

• Enslaved African American

• Indentured Servant

• Farmer

• Free African American

Gabriel is out of control! I should sell that brute, but he is my best picker. He's been lashed twice in the last month and still he's disobedient.

• Large Landowner

• Slave

• Indutured Servant

• Artisan