The landowners among the Spanish colonists had…

The landowners among the Spanish colonists had successfully conspired against Columbus as early as the 1490s.

His successor, Francisco de Bobadilla, is appointed chief justice and royal commissioner by the Spanish crown in 1499.

Bobadilla sends Columbus back to Spain in irons; Queen Isabella soon orders him released.

Bobadilla, who had proved an inept administrator, is replaced in 1503 by the more efficient Nicolas de Ovando, who assumes the titles of governor and supreme justice.

Because of his success in initiating reforms desired by the crown—the encomienda system among them—Ovando receives the title of Founder of Spain's Empire in the Indies.