10 Questions
What was the main reason for the introduction of the Encomienda System?
To provide a source of labour to exploit the resources in the New World
The Encomienda System was introduced by the Spanish Crown in 1492.
False
What were the three main reasons why the Spanish came to the Americas in the late 15th century?
Gold, glory, and god
Under the Encomienda System, the Spanish were responsible for protecting the indigenous people from ______________________.
warring tribes
Match the following groups with their characteristics:
Tainos = Indigenous people who were forced to work for the Spanish Kalinagos = Fierce, warlike people who resisted the Spanish
Why did the Spanish government feel that the Encomienda System would be beneficial?
To facilitate the conversion of the natives to Christianity
The Europeans treated the natives with respect and kindness under the Encomienda System.
False
What was one of the effects of the introduction of cattle by the Spanish on the natives?
It destroyed their crops and food supply.
The Spanish men who came to the Americas without wives took the natives' ______________ away from their mates and family.
women
Match the following responses of the Indigenous peoples with the corresponding effects of the Encomienda System:
Suicide = Enslavement and long working hours Runaway = Enslavement and lack of freedom Infanticide = Forced to give up their children to be slaves Abortion = Forced to give up their children to be slaves
Study Notes
The Encomienda System
- The Encomienda System was a labor system introduced by the Spanish Crown during the colonization of the Americas in 1503.
- The system was introduced to ensure a labor force and to increase personal wealth.
Reasons for Introduction
- The system was introduced to exploit the resources found in the New World.
- Labor was needed to cultivate lands and work in mines.
- Europeans did not want to engage in hard labor and felt that the conquered people should provide a labor force.
- The Spanish government believed the system would facilitate the conversion of natives to Christianity.
Treatment of Indigenous People
- The natives were enslaved and subjected to long working hours.
- They were not free to leave the Encomienda system, and those who attempted to escape were hunted down by dogs and killed.
- The Spanish introduced cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, which destroyed the natives' crops and food supply.
- The Europeans brought diseases such as smallpox, to which the natives were not immune, leading to many deaths.
Effects on Indigenous People
- The natives were not accustomed to long working hours and many died as a result.
- The introduction of European diseases led to a decrease in food supply and many deaths from starvation.
- Many natives committed suicide, and mothers took the lives of their babies to save them from growing up to become slaves.
Responses of Indigenous People
- Some natives attempted to runaway from the Encomienda system.
- Others committed infanticide or abortion to avoid being enslaved.
- The Kalinagos, a fierce and warlike people, resisted the Spanish and refused to work under the Encomienda system.
Learn about the Encomienda System, its introduction, and its impact on indigenous people in the Americas during the Spanish colonization.
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