Based on what you know about Native American relationships with Spanish colonists, what can you infer about the way the Spanish viewed Native Americans?

Question

1. Spanish colonists had mixed feelings towards Native Americans.
2. Spanish colonists saw Native Americans as their equals.
3. Spanish colonists admired Native Americans.
4. Spanish colonists felt that they were superior to Native Americans.

Answer 1

Based on historical accounts of Native American relationships with Spanish colonists, the most accurate inference would be:

4. Spanish colonists felt that they were superior to Native Americans.

Spanish colonists often viewed Native Americans as inferior, seeing them as heathens in need of civilization and conversion to Christianity. This perspective justified their actions in colonization, including land appropriation, forced labor, and attempts to convert Indigenous peoples to European customs and beliefs. While there were instances of alliances and mixed relationships, the overarching view among many Spanish colonists was one of superiority.