Question

What is the intent of the encomienda system? Have its effects been positive or negative for society in the Americas and in Spain? From your perspective, what will be the long-term impact of the encomienda system in the Americas?

Answer 1

1.  The intent of the encomienda system was to at least somehow define and regulate the issue of Native people in the New World and in the rest of the Spanish empire, as they were effectively treated as slaves. The encomienda system gave a grant to a certain person that is a right to exact tribute from the Natives in gold or labour or land in exchange for their protection and the teaching of Christian faith.

2.The effects of encomienda system are in my opinion overwhelmingly negative. The system in practice practically backfire as it in no sense improved the position and lives of the Natives on the Spanish territory as they were effectively slaves and were exploited.

3. Long term effects were devastating for the native peoples as it decimated them. Their population plummeted down due to the treatment they were given. They were used for colonies mining operations but due to their low numbers it was not effective. In addition to this the colonies in the Americas moved from mining to agriculture.