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Description:

This video explains the Encomienda system in the Americas. This was a big part of Spanish colonization of the Americas and the spread of Christianity in the age of the conquistadors. Free slave labor for the Spanish in exchange for…well, mostly death and loss of land for the Native Americans.

Language:
English Language

Transcript

00:10

¡Hola!, my fellow gentlemen of Spain!

00:13

I have good news for us all! I just got off the horn with the Pope, and he has given us

00:17

the go-ahead to start evangelizing in the New World!

00:22

We are going to call this thing the "Encomienda System."

00:25

Sounds exotic, right?

00:28

It is actually quite a bit like our feudal system of old... but hopefully with less feuding.

00:33

I hate when our families feud.

00:39

However, there will be a couple of differences.

00:41

These... Indian people... must be told that we now own their land.

00:45

Unfortunately for them, they never called "dibs."

00:50

Our Spanish Lords, the conquistadors, will offer them protection.

00:55

I am sure they will happily welcome this protection, as they currently have no way to defend themselves.

01:00

In exchange for this protection that we are graciously offering them...

01:05

...they will be our slaves. Er... helpers. Yes, our helpers. That's the ticket.

01:12

Of course, our duty first and foremost is to educate these savages about Christ and

01:16

his teachings. This way, we can save their immortal souls.

01:19

And we want as many souls in Heaven as possible, because hey -- the more the merrier.

01:25

My fellow Spaniards, don't sweat it if you have to treat these Indians a little rough.

01:29

They can take it. And besides, they are going to owe us big time.

01:35

So I'd just like to hear one of them complain. And it isn't like they are going to rebel

01:40

against us or argue that they are being abused, right?

01:46

They are ... not so bright.

01:50

These poor, stupid heathens need us big time. So if you must, whip them into shape like

01:54

the beasts of burden that they are. The Encomienda System means great things for us...

02:00

...and for the spreading of Christ's words.

02:06

So, grab the next ship, hop on over... we'll hook you up with some Indians of your very own!

02:13

Hasta luego baby!

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