Table of Contents
How did the encomienda system lead to slavery?
The encomienda system granted a Spanish leader a number of Native American laborers. The Spanish colonists abused the encomienda system, essentially rendering it a system of slave labor. The attempt failed, as encomenderos ignored the laws and revolted against any attempt to weaken their power of the their laborers.
What was wrong with the encomienda system?
The encomienda system (in theory) was a feudal-like system where Spaniards would offer protection and education to the native populations in exchange for labor and money/gifts. In reality, the encomienda system was a horrible abuse of power and essentially slavery.
What did the encomienda system do to the natives?
The encomienda system granted a Spanish leader a number of Native American laborers. The Spanish colonists abused the encomienda system, essentially rendering it a system of slave labor. The Spanish crown, against the forced labor of indigenous people, passed the Laws of Burgos in an attempt to reform the system.
Where was the encomienda system used?
Spain
The word encomienda comes from the Spanish word encomendar, meaning “to entrust.” The encomienda system had been used in feudal Spain during the reconquest and had survived in some form ever since.
What was the system of encomienda?
Encomienda, in Spain’s American and Philippine colonies, legal system by which the Spanish crown attempted to define the status of the indigenous population. It was based upon the practice of exacting tribute from Muslims and Jews during the Reconquista (“Reconquest”) of Muslim Spain.
Who did the encomienda system benefit?
The encomienda system gave Spanish colonists control over American Indians in a specific area.
What was the encomienda system in the New World?
The encomienda system was one of the many horrors inflicted on the native people of the New World during the conquest and colonial eras. It was essentially slavery, given but a thin (and illusory) veneer of respectability for the Catholic education that it implied.
Why did the Spanish Crown refuse to grant encomiendas?
The Spanish crown still steadfastly refused to grant encomiendas in perpetuity, however, so slowly these lands reverted to the crown. Some of the encomenderos managed to secure title-deeds to certain lands: unlike the encomiendas, these could be passed down from one generation to the next.
Why did Spain give the encomiendas to the conquistadors?
The Spanish crown reluctantly approved the granting of encomiendas because it needed to reward the conquistadors and establish a system of governance in the newly-conquered territories, and the encomiendas were a quick-fix that killed both birds with one stone.
What did the encomendero do for the enslaved people?
In return, the encomendero was responsible for the well-being of the enslaved people and was to see to it that they were converted and educated about Christianity.