Clash of cultures: Land use and religion, Early America

Land Use

• European Perspective:
  • Land was viewed as a commodity.
  • It could be bought and sold.
  • Concept of individual ownership: "That land is mine."
• Native American Perspective:
  • Symbiotic and spiritual connection to the land.
  • Land belonged to all individuals in the community.

Religion

• European:
  • Generally Christians.
• Native Americans:
  • Practiced pantheistic religions.
  • Religions varied from region to region.

Debate on Relationship between Europeans and Native Americans

• Interaction led to debates about the proper relationship.

Key Figures in the Debate:

Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda:

• Argued that Native Americans were less than human.
• Believed they benefited from harsh labor conditions.
• This view was welcomed by imperial powers, especially Spain.

Bartolomé de las Casas:

• (To be continued in the following segment)