In 3–5 sentences, analyze a characteristic of Spanish or Portuguese colonial rule. Determine if it would be considered a strength or weakness of colonial rule and explain why.(4 points)

An example of a characteristic of Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule was their imposition of the encomienda system, which granted land and labor to Spanish and Portuguese elites in exchange for Christianization and protection of Indigenous peoples. This system can be seen as both a strength and a weakness of colonial rule. On one hand, it helped to maintain social order and stability by creating a hierarchical society that benefited the colonizers. However, it also led to the exploitation and mistreatment of Indigenous populations, as they were forced into labor and subjected to harsh conditions. Ultimately, while the encomienda system may have provided some benefits for the colonizers, it ultimately caused great harm to the Indigenous peoples under their rule.

simplify\

The encomienda system under Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule allowed elites to control land and labor in exchange for converting and protecting Indigenous peoples. This system had both positive and negative aspects. It helped maintain social order but also led to the exploitation and mistreatment of Indigenous populations. Overall, the encomienda system benefitted the colonizers at the expense of the Indigenous peoples.

write it like a 10th grader

The Spanish and Portuguese colonial rulers used a system called encomienda where elites got land and labor from Indigenous people in return for converting them to Christianity and providing protection. This system had good and bad sides. It kept society in order but also led to the abuse and mistreatment of Indigenous groups. In the end, the encomienda system helped the colonizers but hurt the Indigenous people.