What was the ‘encomienda system’?
In the economies of the Spanish colonies, Indian labor was used to support plantation-based agriculture and extract precious metals and other resources. EX: sugar, silver
The ‘encomienda system’ was a system developed by the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century to control Native American labor and maintain their own economic interests in the New World. Under this system, Spanish colonizers were granted the right to demand tribute, labor or goods from Native Americans living within a specific area in exchange for protection, education and instruction in the Catholic faith. In practice, the encomienda system became a form of slavery, as Spanish colonizers had total control over the lives of Native Americans, forcing them to work in mines, on plantations or in other industries without pay. This system was highly exploitative and abusive, often leading to the deaths of many Native Americans due to overwork, malnutrition, and disease. The system was eventually abolished in the 18th century due to criticism from the Catholic Church and widespread condemnation of its treatment of Native Americans.
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