How was life for indigenous populations under the encomienda system similar to life for african slaves on plantations in the new world?
a. both groups were devastated by exposure to european diseases to which they had no immunity.
b. both groups were classified as creoles and given special privileges under the spanish caste system.
c. both groups blended elements of christianity with their traditional practices to create a new religion called vodou.
d. both groups were forced to labor under brutal and inhumane conditions for the benefit of european masters.

The correct answer is D) Both groups were forced to labor under brutal and inhuman conditions for the benefit of European masters.

The life for Indigenous populations under the Encomienda system was similar to life for African slaves on plantations in the New World in that both groups were forced to labor under brutal and inhuman conditions for the benefir of European masters.  

With the Encomienda system, the Spanish crown defined the Indians status in the new continent. The system –a form of slavery- was similar to the one they used in the Reconquest of Muslim Spain. A Spanish soldier received a grant from the crown of any number of Indians, and the soldier exploited them as slaves. The African slaves of plantations served their owner and they worked in poor conditions. So, the life for Indigenous populations under the Encomienda system was similar to life for African slaves on plantations in the New World in that both groups were forced to labor under brutal and inhuman conditions for the benefit of their masters.  

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