Colonization Module Notes

Adam Smith's perspective on Colonization (1776)

While acknowledging the economic benefits like enhanced global trade and new markets, Smith recognized the immense suffering inflicted upon Native Americans, including genocide and the rapid spread of diseases.

Benefits of Colonization identified by Adam Smith

Enhanced global trade by bringing luxuries and necessities worldwide; introduction of highly sought-after goods (like tobacco and sugar) to Europe; providing new markets; supplying calories to the world; and producing raw materials.

Negative effects of Colonization for Natives (Adam Smith)

Colonization resulted in genocide and the rapid spread of diseases among Native American populations who had no prior exposure or immunity.

Bartolom
\u00e9 de Las Casas on Spanish treat of the Indians (1528)

A priest who decried the brutal enslavement and exploitation of Indigenous populations, noting they were treated worse than animals while being forced to work in gold and silver mines.

De Las Casas's technique for advocating for Indians

He used emotional appeals and highlighted the stark contrast between the brutal actions of the Spaniards and their professed Christian values (which promote compassion and dignity) to shame them into better behavior.

Cortez mets Mexico City

This event occurred in 1515, a date referenced in the context of the Spanish colonization timeline discussed by Bartolom
\u00e9 de Las Casas.