Encomienda

Encomienda was a system used in Spain and Spanish colonies in the Americas in the 16th century. It was a way for Spanish colonial rulers to require local people to work for them, usually on farms or in mines. People were given a "grant" of encomienda which meant they had to do as they were told. This system was often abused, with people having to work extra hours without fair pay and not having any rights. Although it was officially abolished in 1817, the effects of the encomienda system can still be seen in many countries today.