These were laws issued by King Charles I of Spain to regulate the Spanish colonies' treatment of indigenous peoples, effectively ending the encomienda system.
The New Law of 1542 is like a new school rule that stops bullies from picking on other students. It was designed to protect those who couldn't protect themselves - in this case, the indigenous people.
Encomienda System: A labor system in Spain where natives were forced to do hard labor in return for protection and Christian teachings.
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Human Rights: Rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status.
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