Which would owners of large plantations rather have slaves than indentured servants?

Owners of large plantations would prefer slaves over indentured servants because slaves could be owned for life and were considered property, providing greater control and ensuring a continuous source of cheap labor. Indentured servants had limited terms of service and some legal protections, making them less profitable and reliable for long-term agricultural work. Furthermore, slaves were seen as a permanent underclass, ensuring a highly stratified social structure that benefited plantation owners.