Focus: How did the Encomienda system affect the Spanish and the

Natives?

Do Now: Answer the multiple choice questions as best as you can.

ArgentinaBahamasBaradosBelizeBoliviaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuineaGuatemalaGuyana

HaitiHondurasJamaicaMexicoNicaraguaPanamaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUruguayVenezuela

As we read this excerpt…

What would support the defense?

What would support the prosecution?

What should the King and Queen of Spain do in response?

Notes: The Encomienda System1. Post-Columbus Caribbean

- quest for raw materials - tribute system (GOLD/cotton)- transition to slavery

2. Encomienda System (“anti” slavery)- replaces tribute system- encourages colonization/ownership of Tainos- Indians must be paid “wages”

Encomienda System

3. Columbus and the Encomiendas (1495)

- Taino protests are put down by Columbus’ men:

- 200 armored soldiers, 20 dogs, 20 mounted soldiers

- confront, attack, defeat Tainos

- King & Queen call for an investigation

- 1500: Columbus removed from power, arrested, though ultimately allowed to return

Engravings by Theodore De Bry

1. What did you observe in the two images?

2. Who were the different groups involved in the images?

3. Why do you think De Bry made these images?

4. Who do you think his audience was? (Who did he want to see the drawings?)

You are:

A Spanish conquistador

or

A Spanish friar (Priest)

Create a brief speech explaining the problems in the new land, and what should be done, to give back in Spain. Stay true to your character!