The Encomienda system was a labor system established by the Spanish crown during the colonization of the Americas. It granted Spanish settlers, known as encomenderos, the right to demand labor and tribute from indigenous people in exchange for protection and Christianization. This system aimed to regulate the interactions between Spanish colonizers and the native populations. While the Encomienda was intended to benefit both parties, it often led to the exploitation and harsh treatment of indigenous people. Many natives were forced to work under brutal conditions, resulting in significant population decline due to overwork and disease. The system was eventually criticized and reformed, but its impacts were long-lasting.