Question

What is one method the Spanish used to gain control over the Native Americans?

Responses

They counted on Native American leaders, called alcaldes, to manage the people and activities in the mission.

They created mission councils, which encouraged Native Americans to ask questions and voice concerns about mission life.

They let the Native Americans become friars within the missions.

They let Native Americans choose the jobs they would do in the missions.

Answer 1

The Spanish used the encomienda system to control Native Americans, a labor system that exploited natives under the pretense of providing protection and religious instruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

One method the Spanish used to gain control over the Native Americans was the imposition of the encomienda system. This system was essentially forced labor, under the guise of protecting Native Americans and teaching them Christianity. In practice, however, it led to the ruthless exploitation of native populations.

The Spaniards, feeling entitled to the land and its people by right of conquest, controlled native labor and attempted to impose Catholicism, an effort which met with significant resistance from the native populations. The encomienda system assigned Native workers to mine and plantation owners with the understanding that these owners would defend the colony and educate the workers in Christian doctrine. Despite this asserted purpose, the reality often involved harsh labor conditions and exploitation.