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Spanish forces in the early 16th century brought significant upheaval to Ecuador's indigenous communities. Led by Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquered and colonized the region, sparking violent conflicts and destabilizing the indigenous way of life.

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The colonial economy of Ecuador centered around the exploitation of natural resources like gold and silver through practices such as mining. The encomiendas and later haciendas played crucial roles in this economic system, often at the expense of indigenous labor and resources.

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The mita system imposed forced labor on indigenous people, compelling them to work in various sectors including mining, construction, textiles, and agriculture. This system not only separated families but also subjected indigenous workers to harsh and challenging working conditions.

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Encomiendas granted colonizers rights over indigenous lands and labor

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The colonial era in Ecuador saw the construction of churches, cathedrals, and monasteries

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Indigenous communities faced displacement, exploitation, and cultural assimilation under Spanish rule

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The colonial economy's reliance on the exploitation of natural resources and indigenous labor created a cycle of dependency, wherein Ecuador became economically subservient to Spanish interests, perpetuating unequal power dynamics and exploitation.

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Indigenous communities in Ecuador demonstrated resilience and resistance against exploitation and oppression

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The fight for independence at the beginning of the 19th century marked the end of the colonial period in Ecuador