Freedom dues were a form of compensation provided to indentured servants in the American colonies upon the completion of their servitude. This system was particularly significant during the 17th and 18th centuries.
When an indentured servant signed on to work for a specific number of years, they agreed to labor for a planter or landowner in exchange for passage to America, food, shelter, and eventually, land. Upon completing their contract, these servants would receive freedom dues, which typically included items such as a new set of clothes, tools for farming, and sometimes even a small plot of land to start their independent life.
The concept of freedom dues was important not only as a form of reward for the years of labor but also as a way to encourage others to enter into indentured servitude. It offered a glimpse of the potential for a better, self-sufficient life after years of hard work. However, the reality was often more complex, as many former servants found themselves without the resources they needed to thrive in a competitive environment.