Question

After the Spanish and Portuguese conquests in Latin America, the indigenous population decreased significantly due to warfare and disease. To address the labor shortage, what action did Spain and Portugal take? They brought enslaved Africans to the Americas.

Answer 1

Yes, that's correct. In response to the significant decline of the Indigenous population due to warfare, disease, and harsh labor conditions, Spain and Portugal turned to the transatlantic slave trade to address labor shortages in their colonies. They forcibly imported enslaved Africans to work in plantations, mines, and other labor-intensive sectors. This practice not only contributed to the economic growth of colonial Latin America but also had profound and lasting impacts on the social, cultural, and demographic landscape of the region. The African diaspora played a significant role in shaping the culture of Latin America, influencing music, religion, cuisine, and more.