ABSTRACT
The major influences that Spanish activities had on Indian communities emanated from the demands they made on Indian lands, labor, and production. There were several ways in which Spaniards might acquire Indian lands: first, by illegally usurping it. The second means of acquiring land was through purchase followed by a request for a formal title to the land. Throughout the colonial period Indians remained the most important source of labor in Central America, although the form of their employment changed. By the end of the eighteenth century the problem of labor shortages had not been overcome, rather it had become more acute as a result of the new demands created by defense and the newly established tobacco industry. During the colonial period demands on Indian production remained, although it is difficult to judge whether they increased or decreased. What is clear is that the nature of demands changed.
