Question

what was the encomienda system?
the way provincial governors in south america were rotated in the spanish empire
the incan system of subjugating conquered peoples
the military tactic used by the spanish to push the final islamic stronghold out of grenada
the forced labor spanish settlers were granted by the king in return for \protecting\ the native americans

Explanation:

The encomienda system was a labor system in Spanish - ruled colonies. Spanish settlers were given the right to forced labor from Native Americans. In theory, they were supposed to "protect" and Christianize the Native Americans in return.

Answer:

The forced labor Spanish settlers were granted by the king in return for "protecting" the Native Americans.