Under the encomienda system, New World natives were
A) forced to accept Islam.
B) permitted to retain control over their local lands.
C) subjected to exploitation and harsh treatment by the Dutch.
D) supposed to be protected and supervised by the Spanish.
E) taken to Spain to be used as laborers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under the encomienda system, which was implemented by the Spanish in the New World, the natives were supposed to be protected and supervised by the Spanish. They were supposed to be "commended" to a Spanish settler who would ensure their conversion to Christianity and their proper treatment. However, in practice, the encomienda system often led to exploitation and mistreatment of native peoples.

Under the Encomienda System, New World Natives Were