 In general, the Indians who made up the vast majority of the population in colonial Spanish America were exempted from paying tithes on such native crops as maize and
potatoes that they raised for their own subsistence.After some debate, Indians in colonial Spanish America were forced to pay tithes on their production of European agricultural products, including wheat, silk, cows, pigs, and sheep.When various Latin American countries gained their independence from Spain in the 19th century, their governments took over the tax, which was considered an abuse by the Creole landowners.