The governing system in new spain allowed conquistadors to collect tributes from native americans in exchange for protection and conversion to christianity. this system was called the system.

 the receiver of the grant was to protect the natives from warring tribes and to instruct them in the Spanish language and in the Catholic faith: in return they could extract tribute from the natives in the form of labor, gold or other products. (NOT SLAVERY). what is important to know: is that this is a not a slave system, it is a labor system. The encomienda system was used in the new world.

the award is named for an american naval historian and theorist, rear admiral alfred thayer mahan, united states navy who, through his writing, provided stimulus and guidance to those who share in the defense of the nation.