The New Laws of 1542

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The New Laws of 1542 stated that Indians would no longer be enslaved in Spanish possessions, marking a significant change in Spanish policy towards native peoples in the Americas. However, the laws did not apply to African slaves, who continued to be imported and enslaved in Spanish colonies. The encomienda system was introduced earlier, in the 16th century, and was a form of forced labor used by the Spanish in their American colonies. The Black Legend was a propaganda campaign used by Protestant Europeans to vilify Spanish rule in the Americas, particularly in regards to treatment of native peoples. Gonzalo Pizzaro was involved in a rebellion against Spanish authority, and was not responsible for the adoption of the New Laws.