As Spain expanded its influence in the New World during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the implementation of various policies and strategies played a crucial role in their colonial endeavors. One significant institution that emerged during this period was the 'encomienda' system. This system was designed to govern relations between Spanish colonizers and indigenous populations.
However, the encomienda system was not the only framework that guided Spanish interactions with the native peoples. Another critical aspect of Spanish colonization involved the role of religious missions, territorial expansion, and the establishment of settlements.
Which of the following best describes a major consequence of the Spanish colonization, particularly regarding the relationship between the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous populations?