(Originais Teachy 2024) - Question Hard of History

During the process of colonization of America by Spain, the economy was heavily based on the exploitation of natural resources and the forced labor of native populations. This economic context was accompanied by a complex administrative structure and the implementation of mercantilist policies aimed at strengthening the metropolis. In parallel, the Catholic Church played a significant role, both in the conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity and in defending their rights and criticizing the encomienda system. How were the economy, colonial administration, and the role of the Church interconnected in the Spanish colonization process in Latin America, and how did these aspects contribute to the complex social dynamics that emerged in this context? In your answer, consider the role of African slavery and explain how mercantilist logic was reflected in the economic and administrative practices adopted by the Spanish colonies.