“Since the native Indians of these islands are weak and of small strength, and are rapidly decreasing in numbers because of the heavy labor in the mines, we should grant permission for the introduction of black slaves from Africa. They are much stronger and better suited for such arduous work, and their labor will allow the sugar mills and gold mines to continue operating while relieving the surviving Indians of their heavy burdens.”
— Spanish colonial officials in Santo Domingo, letter to the Spanish Crown, 1518
The ideas expressed in the excerpt best reflect which of the following historical developments in the Spanish colonies during the sixteenth century?
- AThe transformation of the encomienda from a system of coerced labor tribute to a system of outright land grants for Spanish settlers
- BThe decision of the Spanish Crown to replace Indigenous laborers with European indentured servants
- The gradual transition from relying on coerced Indigenous labor to importing enslaved AfricansAnswer
- DThe complete replacement of colonial labor systems with trade agreements that imported crops exclusively from Europe
Answer
The gradual transition from relying on coerced Indigenous labor to importing enslaved Africans
The correct option is correct because Spanish colonial officials sought to import enslaved Africans to replace the rapidly declining Indigenous population, who were dying from European diseases and harsh labor demands under early colonial systems like the encomienda.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The transition from the encomienda system to African chattel slavery in the Spanish colonial empire due to the demographic collapse of Indigenous populations.
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