APUSH Review: The Encomienda System

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive review of the encomienda system, a Spanish colonial system of land grants that involved the exploitation of indigenous labor in the Americas during the early 16th century. It highlights the system's gradual replacement by African slavery due to the harsh treatment of natives, the emergence of mestizos (mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry), and the natives' susceptibility to European diseases. The video also offers test-taking tips for APUSH students, emphasizing the importance of understanding the encomienda system in the new curriculum.

Takeaways

• 📚 The encomienda system is a key topic in the new APUSH curriculum, specifically mentioned in the framework, and is essential for students to understand.
• 🕰️ The system originated in the early 16th century and was a Spanish method of controlling indigenous populations in the Americas.
• 👑 Encomiendas were royal land grants given by the Spanish Crown to Spanish settlers, who were obligated to convert the native inhabitants to Christianity in return.
• 💰 The Spanish settlers gained tribute from the natives, which could be in the form of labor or actual payment, leading to their wealth from the exploitation of resources like gold and silver.
• 🔨 Natives under the encomienda system were subjected to harsh treatment and heavy manual labor, such as building infrastructure.
• 🌐 The system began to decline due to protests from Catholics and the rise of the mestizo population, who were of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry and protected by laws from forced labor.
• 📉 As more mestizos were born, fewer natives were available for labor, contributing to the system's decline.
• 🌍 The encomienda system was gradually replaced by African slave labor, as it was more sustainable and Africans had greater immunity to European diseases.
• 🤒 The arrival of Europeans in the Americas led to a significant reduction in the Native American population due to diseases to which they had no immunity.
• 📝 For APUSH exam preparation, students should understand that the encomienda system was a form of Indian slave labor that was later replaced by African slave labor.
• 📑 Test-takers are advised to be familiar with the encomienda system's role in the early Spanish colonies and its eventual replacement, as it may be assessed in conjunction with other time periods.

Q & A

What is the encomienda system?

The encomienda system was a Spanish system of control over Natives in the Americas during the early 16th century, where the Spanish Crown granted land to various Spaniards in exchange for the promise to Christianize the native inhabitants and gain tribute from them.

Who is considered the creator of the encomienda system?

Nicholas de Ovando is often considered the creator of the encomienda system.

What were the obligations of the Spanish who received encomiendas?

The Spanish who received encomiendas were obligated to Christianize the native inhabitants of the land and gain tribute from them, which could be in the form of labor or actual payment.

How were the natives treated under the encomienda system?

The natives were treated very harshly under the encomienda system, often being subjected to heavy manual labor such as building roads and infrastructure.

How did the encomienda system contribute to the wealth of the Spanish?

The encomienda system made the Spanish wealthy due to the discovery of gold and silver in the Americas, as they gained an immense amount of these precious metals.

What factors led to the decline of the encomienda system?

The encomienda system declined due to protests by Catholics against the harsh treatment of natives, the emergence of misos (people of Spanish and Native American ancestry) who were protected by laws from forced labor, and the gradual replacement of native labor with African slave labor.

Why was African slave labor preferred over native labor in the Americas?

African slave labor was preferred because Africans were more immune to European diseases than natives, which was a significant factor after the arrival of Europeans led to a massive reduction in the Native American population due to disease.

What is the significance of the encomienda system in the new APUSH curriculum?

The encomienda system is specifically mentioned in the new APUSH curriculum, indicating that students are expected to be familiar with it and there is a good chance it will be directly assessed in exams.

What is the connection between the encomienda system and the broader economic changes in the Spanish colonies?

The encomienda system represents the initial use of Indian labor in the Spanish colonies' economies, which was gradually replaced by African slavery as the system declined.

How can students access the PowerPoint used in the video for APUSH review?

Students can access the PowerPoint used in the video by clicking the link in the description below, which will take them to apushreview.com where they can download it.

What advice does the video provide for students preparing for APUSH exams regarding the encomienda system?

The video advises students to understand that the encomienda system was essentially a form of Indian slave labor and to be aware that it was gradually replaced by African slave labor. It also suggests that questions on this topic are unlikely to be standalone and will likely be combined with another time period.