Question

How did Bartolomé de las Casas draw distinctions between the Spanish people and the American Indians?
List at least two examples to support your ideas. Give your answer in the form of at least two complete sentences.

Answer 1

Bartolomé de las Casas distinguished between the Spanish people and the American Indians primarily by emphasizing the moral and spiritual virtues of the indigenous populations compared to the violent and greedy tendencies he associated with the Spanish colonizers. For instance, he argued that the American Indians were capable of living a peaceful and virtuous life, as they were often more compassionate and communal in their social structures, while the Spaniards frequently exploited and oppressed them in pursuit of wealth. Additionally, Las Casas viewed the indigenous peoples as being closer to a state of innocence and ideal humanity, whereas he often criticized the Spaniards for their cruelty and excesses committed during the conquest and colonization efforts.