The Spanish came to the island of Hispaniola mainly because of the promise of gold. When they arrived they forced the Arawaks to work for them. The Arawaks, because of the Spanish were mistreated and overworked, while working in the gold and silver mines. The Spanish also stole their suopplies, demanded large amounts of tribute from them, and abused their women. Some of the Arawaks commited suicide by handing themselves or drinking poisonous manioc jucies.

The Spanish also exposed them to their diseases, and many Arawaks died because of them. Later down the line, the Arawaks rebelled against the Spanish, but the Spanish were to strong and powerful for them. They ended the revoke by the Arawaks. By 1524 the Arawaks ceased to exist as a unified people.