Question

which of the following best describes the labor system in the southern colonies before the widespread use of enslaved africans?

a. indentured servitude

b. apprenticeship

c. voluntary labor

d. paid labor

Explanation:

Before widespread African enslavement, the Southern Colonies relied on indentured servitude. Indentured servants were people who worked for a set period (usually years) in exchange for passage to the colonies, food, and shelter. Apprenticeship was more about learning a trade, voluntary labor was rare in large - scale colonial labor needs, and paid labor wasn't the main system as there was a high demand for labor at low cost which indentured servitude fulfilled.

Answer:

a. Indentured servitude