What was the primary goal of the encomienda system for Spanish colonists?

The primary goal of the encomienda system for Spanish colonists was the extraction of labor and resources. This system was established in the early 16th century following Spanish conquests in the Americas. It granted colonists the right to the labor of Indigenous people in exchange for their supposed protection and Christianization. In practice, this meant that Spanish settlers received tribute from Native Americans, which often took the form of labor, agricultural production, and natural resources like gold and silver.

This exploitation substantially contributed to the wealth of the Spanish Empire and was a cornerstone of colonial economic practices. While there were aspects of religious conversion involved, and some efforts were made for cultural assimilation, the overarching objective was to maximize economic gain from the resources and labor available within the colonies. The encomienda system reflected the broader patterns of colonization, emphasizing economic exploitation over genuine welfare of indigenous populations.