Spanish Colonization and Treatment of Native Americans

Flashcards covering key terms and perspectives on Spanish colonization and the treatment of Native Americans based on lecture notes.

Indies

Lands discovered in 1492 by Spanish Christians, who began inhabiting them the following year.

Hispaniola

The large and delightful isle that was the first land the Spanish invaded to inhabit after discovering the Indies.

Bartolome de Las Casas

Author of 'Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies' (1542), which documented Spanish cruelty and tyranny against Native Americans.

Juan Gines de Sepulveda

Author of 'Just Causes of the War against the Indians' (1547), which argued for the Spanish right to rule Native Americans due to their perceived inferiority.

Spanish treatment of Native Americans (Las Casas's view)

Described as outrage, slaying, afflicting, tormenting, and destroying, driven by the desire for gold.

Spanish justification for rule (Sepulveda's view)

Based on the belief that Native Americans were 'barbarians' inferior to Spaniards, likened to children compared to adults or women to men, and born to slavery.

God, Glory, and Gold

The mixed motives driving Spain's colonization efforts, including spreading Catholicism, gaining prestige, and accumulating wealth.

Encomienda

A harsh labor system implemented by Spain in the colonies, involving forced labor and religious conversion of Native Americans.

1492

The year the Indies were 'discovered' by the Spanish.