The Demise of the “Encomenderos”? The Impact of the Toledan Reforms on the “Encomenderos” of Huánuco, 1572–1615

The "Visita General" (general inspection) ordered by Viceroy Toledo has been considered a crucial moment in the process of establishing a colonial system in the Andes, due to policies like “reducciones” (Indian resettlement new towns) and the conversion to money of the "tributo" (native head-tax).  The Toledan Reforms were also the final blow to the power of “encomenderos” (conquerors rewarded with Indian labor and services), who had attempted several forms of maintaining their control of their "encomiendas" (Indian labor and service grants).  One aspect not studied so far is the regional impact of the Toledan Reforms in the economy of the "encomiendas."  Regional studies allow us understanding the diverse impact of the reforms, initially affecting the “encomienda” economy by weakening it.  However, at least in the case of Huánuco (North-Central Peru), “encomenderos” kept a solid economic, social, and political control of the region until the end of the second generation of "encomienda" holders.  It is not until the third generation that a general debacle of the "encomienda" economy, and of the institution itself, occurred in Huánuco.