The Spanish crown, initiating a form of…
1503 CE
The Spanish crown, initiating a form of slavery known as encomienda, begins in 1503 to grant or deed (encomendar) loyal colonists in Hispaniola a certain number of natives to use as laborers for a specific number of days a year.
The colonist (“encomendero”) so favored must pledge to look after his charges' health, pay them wages, and encourage their conversion to Christianity.