“The New Laws of the Indies (1542) protected indigenous populations.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that indigenous populations were protected by the terms of the New Laws of the Indies. Candidates may consider that the New Laws demanded fair indigenous tribute, prohibited the enslavement of indigenous people and the use of free labour. However, candidates may also argue that although the Laws opposed the encomienda, many initial measures were revoked. The use of indigenous labour continued under the institutions of mita and yanaconaje. Candidates may mention the positive effect of restricting the work undertaken by indigenous workers in the mines, but they could also claim the Laws established that indigenous labour may be used when necessary. Candidates may claim that the New Laws failed as a consequence of the protests of the encomenderos, such as the rebellion led by Gonzalo Pizarro.