Early American history Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Early American history - Assignment Example They believed that if they could convert them, then it would reduce the likelihood of resistance. During this time, they became successful and the church grew stronger. Every component of colonial life felt its presence. The conversion of Indians was an advantage to the Spanish and played right into their hands. The new political structure, religion and societal difference made it difficult for the natives to have control over themselves instead found that they were the second-class citizens in their own land. Having converted the natives to Spanish cultures, they had the upper hand in controlling the American economy (Weisman, JoAnne and Deitch 34). With the new political and societal structures in place, new labor systems were introduced to replace those previously used by the natives. The Spanish held the belief that the Indies will exist as long as the Indians exist. The Spanish held the idea of exploiting the Indians. They would make them work in the mines and sugar plantations to acquire wealth to send to their country. The labor systems would ensure constant labor without resistance. They implemented this in order for them to collect taxes and for the tribute to be paid to the crown by the natives. The labor systems were implemented to ease in the management of the workforce. The systems were varied and improved with time. With religion and these systems in place, the Spanish were able to take control of America (Hickling 342). The Spanish introduced several labor systems in order to exploit the natural riches/resources. They used the heads of specific indigenous groups called the encomendero. This was system was called encomiendas. The head in exchange for protection and payment would command from the Indians, tribute and manual labor. The other system was the repartamientos. This system was later abolished except for mining. With realization that temporary and