AP World 19.2

Demographic catastrophe

A severe decline in population, particularly affecting indigenous peoples due to disease, slaving, and mistreatment.

Encomienda

A system granting Spanish conquerors the right to tax and use indigenous peoples as laborers, often leading to exploitation.

Mita

Labor extracted for lands assigned to the state and the religion; all communities were expected to contribute; an essential aspect of Inca imperial control. (simple: forcible labor system requiring communities to send workers for state projects, adapted from indigenous labor practices)

Impact of Spanish invasion on indigenous societies

Disruption of social and economic structures, concentration of populations in fewer towns, and loss of communal lands.

Cultural resiliency

The ability of Native American cultures to adapt and modify Spanish institutions while preserving elements of their own traditions.

Tax and labor demands

New arbitrary and often excessive demands imposed by the Spanish on indigenous populations, replacing traditional reciprocal obligations.

Indigenous nobility

Traditional leaders among Native Americans who remained in place under Spanish authority as intermediaries for taxation and labor.

Spanish livestock impact

Rapid increase of European cattle, sheep, and horses that flourished on former indigenous lands, contributing to demographic changes.