Ancient history

What were encomineds and what effect did they haveopn native Americans?

Encomiendas were grants of land and labor from the Spanish monarchy to Spanish settlers in the Americas during the colonial era. The encomendero, or holder of the encomienda, was entitled to the labor and tribute of the indigenous people living on the land. In return, the encomendero was supposed to provide for the physical and spiritual welfare of the indigenous people and to protect them from exploitation.

However, the encomienda system was often abused. Many encomenderos treated the indigenous people as slaves, forcing them to work long hours in dangerous conditions and paying them little or no wages. The indigenous people were also often subjected to physical and sexual abuse. As a result, the encomienda system had a devastating impact on the indigenous population of the Americas.

The encomienda system was eventually abolished in the 18th century, but its legacy of violence and exploitation continues to affect the indigenous people of the Americas today.