Which term best describes the forced labor system imposed by the Spanish on conquered Native Americans?

The term "Encomienda system" accurately describes the forced labor system imposed by the Spanish on conquered Native Americans during the colonial period. This system was established in the early 16th century as a way for Spanish colonizers to gain labor and tribute from Indigenous populations in the Americas. In exchange for their labor, the encomenderos, or Spanish landowners, were expected to provide protection and religious instruction to the Native Americans. However, in practice, this often led to severe exploitation and significant demographic decline among Indigenous populations due to harsh working conditions and the spread of diseases.

The other terms provided do not encapsulate the specifics of this system. Coercive labor implies forced labor but lacks the structured, formalized aspect of the encomienda. Voluntary servitude indicates consent, which contradicts the nature of the encomienda system where consent was not given. Indentured servitude refers to a different system where individuals worked for a set period in exchange for passage to America or other benefits, typically involving European laborers rather than Indigenous peoples. Thus, the encomienda system uniquely reflects the colonial practices concerning Native labor in Spanish territories.