In the context of Spanish colonization of the Americas, various motivations drove their actions. These motivations included religious, economic, and political factors that influenced their exploration and settlement strategies. One fundamental aspect of Spanish colonization was the Encomienda system, which allowed Spanish settlers to extract labor and tribute from indigenous populations. This system was justified by a belief in civilizing the native peoples and spreading Christianity. Additionally, the impact of Spanish colonization on indigenous societies was profound, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes.
Considering these elements, which of the following statements best represents an outcome of the Spanish colonization in the early 1500s?