Explain the role of the encomienda system and Christianity in Spanish exploration.

In the early 16th century, the Spanish crown set up the encomienda system in the Americas to divide up the American Indian labor force in order to aid the development of their mining ecomony. ... The encomendero provided the laborers protection from warring tribes, and teachings in the Catholic faith.

either b) they were often feared and despised by other native cultures. or

c) their obsession allowed them to coexist with many other native cultures because of their peaceful nature.