In 3 sentences, analyze one characteristic of either Spanish or Portuguese colonial rule to to determine how it was originally a strength for the empire but then developed into a weakness.

Answer 1

One characteristic of Spanish colonial rule was its reliance on the encomienda system, which granted colonizers the authority over indigenous populations for labor and tribute. Initially, this system helped the Spanish extract vast resources and efficiently control large territories. However, over time, the harsh exploitation of native peoples led to significant population declines, social unrest, and ultimately weakened Spain's economic and military power, as the depletion of the labor force hindered sustainable development in the colonies.