How would removing people from the labor force fix the shortage? Did debtors prisons have you work for companies or something?
The 13th amendment outlaws the practice of slavery, except for prisoners. A possible (legally questionable and morally objectionable) solution is to throw those who can’t pay in prison, then force them into labor as prisoners, and use that labor to pay their debts, after they pay room/board of course, thus ensuring they never escape their bonds
The answer to your questions is slavery with extra steps.
How would removing people from the labor force fix the shortage? Did debtors prisons have you work for companies or something?
The 13th amendment outlaws the practice of slavery, except for prisoners. A possible (legally questionable and morally objectionable) solution is to throw those who can’t pay in prison, then force them into labor as prisoners, and use that labor to pay their debts, after they pay room/board of course, thus ensuring they never escape their bonds
The answer to your questions is slavery with extra steps.