The Encomienda System

Front

What was the encomienda system?

Back

A system of forced labor during the Spanish colonization of America.

Front

What was the main purpose of the encomienda system?

Back

Exploitation of indigenous labor for the benefit of the colonizers.

Front

Who participated in the encomienda system?

Back

Spanish colonizers and American indigenous people

Front

How did the encomienda system work?

Back

The encomienda system assigned indigenous people to colonizers to work on their lands in exchange for protection and evangelization, allowing the colonizers to receive tributes and products from the indigenous people.

Front

What was the impact of the encomienda system on the indigenous population?

Back

Significant decrease in the indigenous population due to exploitation, diseases, and mistreatment.

Front

Why is the encomienda system considered controversial?

Back

It is considered controversial due to the exploitation of the indigenous people.

Front

What was the relationship between the encomienda system and Spanish colonization?

Back

The encomienda system allowed conquerors to receive indigenous labor in exchange for evangelizing them, facilitating colonization by using the natives to work in mines and plantations.

Front

What role did the encomenderos play in the encomienda system?

Back

The encomenderos played the role of intermediaries between the indigenous people and the Spanish crown, receiving tributes and labor in exchange for protection and evangelization.

Front

How did the encomienda system affect the colonial economy?

Back

The encomienda system concentrated wealth and power in the hands of the encomenderos, exploiting the indigenous people and generating social inequality, decreased production, and economic dependence.

Front

What was the final fate of the encomienda system?

Back

Abolition