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 can be characterized by several key perspectives and sentiments:

1. Cultural Disruption: Many indigenous peoples would have felt a profound sense of loss and disruption as their traditional ways of life, beliefs, and practices were challenged and often destroyed. The arrival of the Spanish was not just an invasion; it represented a significant threat to their cultural identity and social structures.

2. Violence and Conflict: The violent confrontations with the Spanish conquistadors would have instilled fear and trauma in native communities. Many individuals witnessed the deaths of friends and family members, leading to a deep-seated mistrust of the newcomers and a struggle to survive amid violence.

3. Forced Labor and Exploitation: Survivors of initial conflicts faced harsh realities under Spanish colonial rule, including forced labor in mines and plantations. Many natives would have viewed the Spanish as oppressors, exploiting their labor for their own gain, creating resentment and anger.

4. Religious Imposition and Syncretism: While some natives may have initially resisted the imposition of Christianity, others began to accept it either out of coercion or a desire for protection and acceptance within the new power structures. The blending of indigenous spiritual practices with Catholicism reflects a struggle to maintain identity in the face of overwhelming change.

5. Loss of Autonomy: The arrival of the Spanish marked the loss of political autonomy for many indigenous groups. They were often forced to submit to foreign rule, losing their lands, governance, and decision-making abilities. This loss would have fostered feelings of helplessness and resistance among different tribes.

6. Adaptation and Resistance: Some indigenous peoples sought ways to adapt to the new circumstances. This could involve engaging with the Spanish in trade, forming alliances, or integrating bits of Spanish culture and technology into their own lives, while still holding on to elements of their indigenous identity.

Overall, the native point of view reflects a complex mix of fear, resistance, adaptation, and sorrow as they navigated the challenges posed by the arrival of the Spanish and their colonial ambitions.