An encomienda was a
A) special title given to Spanish explorers of the New World.
B) religious ceremony.
C) Spanish-run community of assimilated Indians.
D) uniform worn by conquistadores.
E) license to exact tribute and labor from natives.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An encomienda was a license given by the Spanish crown to a conquistador, granting him the right to exact tribute and labor from the natives within a specific area. The conquistador was responsible for the well-being of the natives and their conversion to Christianity. However, in practice, the system often led to abuse and exploitation of the natives, as they were forced to work in mines or on plantations for little or no compensation.

An Encomienda Was a