There were many social and religious changes in The Americas from 1200 to 1750 C.E., the greatest of these being social change.  The Spanish began to rule over native Latin Americans, because of their government backing.  Traditional Indian nobility remained the same, because they could be used as middle men between new rulers and the major population.  Large amounts of Indians converted to Catholicism, because of missionary efforts.  Areas were divided in order to simply religious groupings.

            Latin Americans were conquered by the Spanish and Portuguese, because of government backing for these two countries.  Encomiendas showed Spanish dominance over the American Indians.  The use of the Spanish as slaves allowed for more agricultural products to be produced.  The Portuguese traded along the African coast using sugar and slaves.  The growth of sugar cane crops proves to increase the amount of American Indian laborers.

            Traditional Indian nobility remained the same in order to be middle men between the new rulers and the major population.  Spanish authority supported Indian nobility.  Tax and labor demands needed to be mediated by a third party.  Because of revolts in African colonies, the conquerors knew there needed to be a middle man between rulers and servants.  The low ratio of rulers to the major population created a need for a mediator.

            Large amounts of Native Americans converted to Catholicism, due to missionary efforts.  Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits set out for widespread conversion of Indians.  Churches were established in towns that were already settled by native Indians.  A complicated church hierarchy developed.  The pope in Italy was adamant in converting Indians to Catholicism.  As the Native Americans were conquered, their new rulers preached their own beliefs on the natives.

            Areas were divided in order to simplify various religious groupings.  Huacas were organized into groups for which certain ayllus took responsibility.  New Spain and Peru were subdivided into divisions controlled by audiencias.  This gave them the power over the religions and people of that area.  The use of tribute providences in Asia showed how it was easier to control an aspect of life if you break it down.  The large population in the Americas caused a need for subdivision of religious aspects of life.