Which of the following are characteristics of the encomienda
system? Select the two correct answers.
O
A. People were contracted to work for a set period of
time.
O
B. Native Americans were legally required to work for
colonists.
C. Laborers were brought to the Americas from overseas.
O
D. Employers agreed to teach workers about Christianity.
U
E. Employers pledged to teach workers a trade.

Encomiendo system is one of the home traditions brought by Spanish conquistadors when they conquered the lands near the Caribbean, Many of the natives were entrusted to Spanish colonists as slaves and these Native Americans have to pay compliments to their respective Spanish explorer who was called ‘Encomendero’. The natives were in turn taught about Christianity and Spanish Culture.

It’s a kind of Feudal system. Initially this system began with the aim to spread Christianity. But, as the Natives were subjected to continuous hard work, they were made to be slaves and were treated pitilessly.

Due to the availability of inexpensive labor who toiled hard in plantations and mines, Spaniards accrued much wealth.