may 14, 1543 - Asiento

Description:

This was another labor system set up in the New World. It sanctioned the use of African slaves to mine the land for resources, and work on plantations. It took the place of the encomienda system which mainly used indigenous Americans. These indigenous people succumbed to European diseases like smallpox, and as a result, the slave population drastically decreased. More workers were needed than available, and african slaves seemed like the best alternative.

Added to timeline:

Date: