Final Answer:
Following was the long-term consequence of Spain abolishing the encomienda system Therefore the correct option is b) Decline of the Spanish Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The abolition of the encomienda system in Spain had profound consequences, with option b) accurately reflecting the long-term outcome. The encomienda system, which granted Spanish colonizers the right to exploit the labor of Native Americans, was deeply intertwined with the economic structure of the Spanish colonies. Its abolition disrupted the existing labor dynamics, leading to economic instability and contributing to the decline of the Spanish Empire.
The encomienda system's demise resulted in a significant economic downturn for Spanish colonists. They faced challenges in finding alternative sources of labor to maintain their agricultural and mining activities. The decline in productivity and economic hardship weakened Spain's colonial power, as other European nations capitalized on Spain's diminishing influence. This decline was a pivotal long-term consequence that affected the overall stability and dominance of the Spanish Empire.
While the abolition of the encomienda system did not directly lead to improved treatment of Native Americans, it did set the stage for shifts in labor practices and power structures. Over time, new systems emerged, and efforts to find alternative sources of labor, such as the introduction of African slavery, further transformed the socio-economic landscape in the Spanish colonies. Therefore, understanding the repercussions of abolishing the encomienda system is crucial in comprehending the complex historical forces that shaped the destiny of the Spanish Empire.
Therefore the correct option is b) Decline of the Spanish Empire.