What was an ecomiendia?

Answer 1

An encomienda was a system established by the Spanish crown during the colonization of the Americas, granting Spanish settlers the right to extract labor and tribute from Indigenous people in designated areas. In exchange, the encomenderos (settlers) were expected to provide protection and religious instruction to the Indigenous population. While intended to promote the welfare of Indigenous peoples, the system often led to exploitation and severe mistreatment, contributing to significant declines in Indigenous populations due to overwork and disease. The encomienda system was eventually replaced by other labor systems as the abuses became evident.