Question

Why did the Spanish government establish the encomienda system in the Spanish colonies

Answer 1

To set up a labor supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Encomienda was a system of protection. The Spanish monarch would assign a Spaniard protector of the colonies. In return, the colonies inhabitants would have to give what the monarch asked back. It could vary from food, to gold, to wood or pelts, or anything.