[Bob Ireland]

There is so much lack of education about the facts of slavery it is shameful. Take out the Arabs and the black African coastal dwellers / slave hunters and there is virtually no 'American' slavery in the 18th century.

But, for me, one of the most overlooked facts about slavery in America is the number of white slaves, starting in the 16th century. Oh sure, they are called 'indentured servants' - explain how that differs from slavery.

[Reily]

Your indenture could be extended for a whole host of minor infractions. Since people didn’t live that long, it easily could be a life time.

[Mogger]

America is the number of white slaves, starting in the 16th century. Oh sure, they are called 'indentured servants' -

Not all the white slaves in North America were indentured servants.

I descend from one of the first indentured servants at Plymouth, 1620, Edward Doty.

I am related to cousins and great aunts and uncles who were captured by Indians in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, marched up to Quebec and sold as slaves to the French.

The Indians kept a few to be their own slaves, and adopted the children into their tribes.

Some were ransomed back by relatives, some chose to remain in Canada, the owners of some refused the ransom and kept them.

[SunkenCiv]

I'm descended from some indentured servants here and there, and while it is true that North American slaves of African origin were able to emerge from slavery early on, that ended well before the Civil War.