encomienda

The Encomienda system was a Spanish colonial practice established in the Americas during the 16th century. It granted Spanish settlers the right to receive tribute and forced labor from Indigenous people in designated areas. In exchange, the settlers were supposed to provide protection and religious instruction to the Indigenous population. However, it often led to exploitation and abuse, significantly harming native communities. The system aimed to facilitate colonization and economic gain but contributed to widespread suffering and social disruption among Indigenous peoples. Encomienda was eventually deemed unsustainable and was replaced by other labor systems.