Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America searching for God, gold, and glory—meaning, they wanted to spread Christianity, and gain riches and fame for Spain.

Question

The Spanish conquering of South America changed the region and its people. The Spanish killed many of the natives and survivors were forced to work on plantations, ranches, and in mines. Many died as a result of bad working conditions and European diseases.
Catholic missionaries wanted native populations to change their religious beliefs and follow Christianity. Many native people began to practice the Catholic faith, and some mixed their own religious practices with Christianity.
what is the Native Point of View

Answer 1

The Native Point of View during the Spanish conquest of South America represents a perspective that is often overlooked in historical accounts. Here are some key aspects of how native peoples may have viewed the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors:

1. Invasion and Disruption: Native populations likely perceived the Spanish arrival as an invasion. Their lands, cultures, and ways of life were being threatened and destroyed. The sudden introduction of foreign powers disrupted established social structures, economies, and traditions.

2. Loss of Life and Suffering: The arrival of the Spanish led to significant loss of life due to violence, warfare, and the introduction of diseases to which native populations had no immunity. Survivors witnessed the devastation of their communities, leading to a profound sense of grief and trauma.

3. Forcible Conversion and Cultural Erasure: Many indigenous people were subjected to forced conversions to Christianity. This imposition of foreign beliefs often resulted in the loss of their own spiritual practices and cultural identity. While some may have adopted aspects of Christianity, the process was often accompanied by coercion and violence.

4. Economic Exploitation: The encomienda system and the establishment of plantations and mines meant that many natives were exploited for their labor in harsh conditions. They may have viewed this as a loss of autonomy and independence, as well as a violation of their rights.

5. Resistance and Resilience: Despite extreme adversity, many indigenous groups resisted Spanish colonization through rebellion, negotiation, and the preservation of their own traditions. This resistance was an expression of their desire to protect their way of life and assert their rights.

6. Adaptation and Syncretism: Some indigenous peoples may have found ways to adapt to the new realities brought by the Spanish, blending their traditional practices with aspects of Christianity. This syncretism allowed them to maintain a sense of cultural identity in the face of overwhelming change.

Overall, the native perspective on the Spanish conquest involved a complex interplay of resistance, adaptation, and survival amid an era of profound upheaval and loss.