Encomienda

Spanish labour system in its colonies

The encomienda (Spanish pronunciation: [eŋkoˈmjenda] , lit. 'entrusting') was a 16th-century Spanish labour system that rewarded Spain's conquistadors with the labour of conquered non-Christian peoples. In theory, the conquerors would provide the labourers with benefits, including military protection and education. In practice, the conquered were subject to conditions that closely resembled instances of forced labour and outright slavery.

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