The Encomienda in New Spain

The Encomienda in New Spain explores the historical institution of encomienda, which was a critical feature of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico and the broader Americas. The encomienda system was based on the feudal model, where Spanish conquerors were granted the labor of indigenous peoples in exchange for providing protection and Christian instruction. This book examines how the encomienda evolved from its initial form—often resembling slavery—to a more complex system shaped by legal and religious reforms. Through careful research, the study traces the historical development and eventual decline of the encomienda, especially after the passage of the New Laws of 1542, which aimed to reduce its exploitative elements.

The volume presents a detailed and nuanced understanding of the encomienda’s impact on indigenous populations, shedding light on the practices and justifications that shaped this institution. While the encomienda initially served the interests of the Spanish crown and its conquistadors, it gradually became a system that provided economic and social stability, albeit through significant abuses of power. By using original documents, contemporary reports, and historical analysis, the author paints a more complete picture of the encomienda’s role in colonial society. The book also delves into the broader implications of the encomienda system, comparing its practices to those in other Spanish colonies and examining its long-term effects on Mexican society and its indigenous people.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1982.