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1500 CE
1510 CE
1520 CE
1530 CE
1540 CE
1550 CE
1560 CE
1570 CE
1580 CE
1590 CE
1600 CE
1610 CE
1620 CE
1630 CE
1640 CE
1650 CE
1660 CE
1670 CE
1680 CE
1690 CE
1700 CE
1502 CE: The encomienda system is first applied to the Americas on the island of Hispaniola.
1503 CE: The use of the system of encomienda in the Spanish Empire receives approval from the Spanish monarchy.
1512 CE: The Laws of Burgos set out how indigenous peoples should be treated within the Spanish Empire.
1522 CE: Bartolomé de Las Casas writes a graphic description of the Spanish colonial encomienda system in his "A Very Brief Recital of the Destruction of the Indies".
1542 CE: The New Laws unsuccessfully attempt to reduce the application of the encomienda system in the Spanish Empire.
1573 CE: Philip II of Spain prohibits the application of the encomienda system in any new territories of the Spanish Empire.
1700 CE: The encomienda system goes into decline in most parts of the Spanish Empire.