Historians have long debated whether or not America was truly a "land of opportunity". Although it advertised freedom of religion, many other rights were denied; particularly the rights of those in the lower class. The high tax rates had an immense affect on the poor. Indentured servants faced a higher obstacle; it was nearly impossible to escape from their life. Furthermore, the lower class" efforts to succeed were stifled by the powerful upper class.
Many colonists raved about the pay that was "three times the wages for their labor in England or Wales."(Document 2) This was very deceiving to newcomers because even though the rates were indeed higher, so were the taxes. These outrageous taxes were especially attacking farmers, for they had far greater amounts of land to be taxed than a person only owning land enough to live on. Farmers joined and tried to protest against the tyrannical government, which led to the Bacon Rebellion. In this case, the underprivileged farmers "rose not only against the royal Governer, but also the rule of the privileged class."(Document 1).
America, for indentured servants, probably looked like a land of opportunity at first glance. Wealthy landowners already in America would offer them free passage and land in exchange for the servant's labor. Accepting this offer, many servants would find themselves working for up to 7 years, only to find out that they've been caught in a loop of debt and are forced to work for up to 7 more years. Parents had to resort to selling their children to pay for their accumulated debts as indentured servants.(Document 3) .
The upper class of America was also stuck in a loop, however, not one as unfortunate as the indentured servants have been drawn into. The upper class men had money, which led to power, which led to even more money, and so on. They owned many slaves and servants, putting them to work and not bothering to care for them or worry for their well being.
