Based on what you know about native American relationships with Spanish colonist what can you fear about the way the Spanish viewed native Americans was it Spanish colonist saw Native Americans as their equals or Spanish colonist felt that they were superior to Native Americans or Spanish colonist had mixed feelings towards Native Americans or Spanish colonist and admired Native Americans

Answer 1

The Spanish colonists generally viewed Native Americans as inferior to themselves, reflecting a sense of superiority rooted in cultural, religious, and racial beliefs. This perspective was shaped by several factors:

1. Religious Superiority: The Spanish were largely motivated by a desire to spread Christianity, particularly Catholicism, which led them to view Indigenous spiritual beliefs as primitive or misguided. This religious zeal often justified their conquests and subjugation of Native peoples.

2. Cultural Supremacy: The Spanish colonists often believed that their European culture, governance, and social systems were superior. This belief was compounded by a lack of understanding and appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures of Native American societies.

3. Economic Exploitation: Many Spanish colonists sought to exploit Native American labor and resources. The encomienda system, which granted colonists the right to demand labor from Indigenous peoples, exemplified this exploitative relationship.

4. Mixed Interactions: While there were instances of alliances and cultural exchange, these were often based on strategic interests rather than mutual respect. The Spanish sometimes admired Native American knowledge and practices but mainly in contexts that served their economic or military objectives.

In summary, the predominant view among Spanish colonists was one of superiority over Native Americans, which influenced their treatment of Indigenous populations throughout the period of colonization.