The main characteristic was a devotion to humanism, that is, the idea that humans are great beings and are free to think and act and be beautiful and many other things. Unlike in the previous periods where religious motifs were the most important things and people were not important, humanists from the Renaissance focused all of their art and philosophy on the greatness of the human being.
The 'Encomienda' system supported the plantation-based labor where the Natives were used as slaves and they were to convert them to Christianity. Later this system was gradually replaced by African slaves.
The Europeans attempted to change Native American beliefs and worldviews on basic social issues such as religion, gender roles, family, and the relationship with the environment. This attempt at changes led to Native resistance and conflict.
EX: Spanish Mission System
He built a stream powered boat