Critically Examine the Effects of the Spanish Colonization...

Critically examine the effects of the Spanish Colonization on the indigenous population in Trinidad. | | | Introduction Although there were mass developments in the demographics of Trinidad by the Europeans, this also contributed to several major factors that caused dreadful changes in the lives and well-being of the indigenous population, which were the Amerindians, due to Spanish colonization. The history of Trinidad and Tobago began with the arrival of the indigenous people. They were the first people to inhabit the islands many centuries ago (Brereton 1). These tribes have travelled from South America where they settled in various parts of the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The Amerindians settled in islands such as Bahamas, Cuba†¦show more content†¦Ways in which the Spanish affected the indigenous people The encomiendas system though as a means of developing the island, led to the enslavement of the Amerindian population. The once freed Amerindian population had many customs one of which was the Cunuco system. The Amerindians used this system for agricultural purposes. They worked limited hours early in the morning on the plantation and planted various crops rotationally on the land. Apart from planting, they had the freedom to go into the forested areas and hunt wild animals as well as fish in the open sea (Brereton 1). By having a variety of ground provision, meat from hunting and a combination of fruits and vegetable, the Amerindians had a balanced diet of proteins, starch and carbohydrates. These nutrition, allowed the Amerindians to be healthier and people of great strength, which contributed to longer lives (Williams 2). However, when the Spaniard arrived they enslaved the Amerindians under the encomiendas system, where many Amerindians died because of the harsh treatment they received under this system. The encomiendas killed many Arawaks through overwork and starvation (Greenwood and Hamber 40).Show MoreRelatedThe Age of Discovery - Impact on Philippine Culture and Society3786 Words   |  16 Pageswith native chief Lapu-Iapu and his men. According to Levesque. Pigafettas account descn1les the balI1e as taking place on 21 April 152I. Magellan had ordered the burning of the native villagers houses to scare them. Instead. they attacked the Spanish invaders furiously with spears and stones. They followed us shooting their poisoned arrows four or five times. somuch sothattbey.recognizingthecaptain (Magellan). aimed at him so much that twice they shot arrows right by his head. Magellan was woundedRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact Th is Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesprevious epoch of history was war so vilified and peace so consciously pursued through the establishment of international organizations and diplomatic exchanges. Despite these endeavors, the levels of domestic and international violence within human populations and the ravages visited upon animals and the natural world by humans vastly exceeded that of any previous era in history. In a century where human communities globally and individuals locally had the potential to be much more intensely connected