Compare And Contrast Serfdom And Slavery

Since the development of early civilizations, there has always been a type of servitude. This has usually been based on the economic status of those within the civilization. Two forms of servitude include serfdom and slavery. Serfdom was a common form of agricultural servitude found in Russia that is believed to began around the tenth century but had become mostly eradicated by the medieval era. Slavery was a form of solitude primarily found in America and based on race. Slavery began in 1619 and was eradicated in 1865 however, the South revolted against this and Slavery lasted longer in Southern states, resulting in the civil war. Slavery and Serfdom may seem similar when looking at it in small detail but upon further education on the two

The primary form of slavery involves the transatlantic trade of African people being stolen from Africa and brought to America. Those forced into slavery were called slaves. Once brought to America, slaves would have no rights and belong to their master, which was either the person who captured them or the person who purchased them. Slaves were forced to work under harsh conditions and typically would have to endure abuse from their masters. The extreme racism displayed in early America did not make the abusive nature of slavery any better. Slaves had no rights therefore they couldn't vote, purchase land and in most cases marry or have children. Race was a defining factor of slavery. African Americans made up the largest percentage of slaves. Being a slave represented that you had lost all social standing and economic

Serfs were expected to perform agricultural work on their lord’s land. The serfs’ labor was essential to the production of goods within Roman society. Serfs were also still somewhat in control of their lives and could usually negotiate the amount of time they spent working. In contrast, slaves were expected to perform either housework or fieldwork and could not negotiate anything. If they tried to negotiate or decline performing services for their masters, they usually faced unspeakable punishments. Another key difference between slaves and serfs was their legal status. Serfs were legally tied to their lords but still held certain rights. As mentioned prior, serfs were free to marry, start families and even purchase their own land. Serfs were also legally provided protection and safety for their work. Slaves however held no capacity for any form of legal rights. Slaves held no legal status whatsoever and were considered to be the property of their masters. Slaves were guaranteed no form of protection or safety. Oftentimes slaves were also traded or sold for goods, other slaves, and a variety of other