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 .European (Spanish/Portuguese) Point of View

Answer 1

The European (Spanish/Portuguese) point of view during the period of conquest and colonization in South America was largely characterized by a desire to expand their empires, spread Christianity, and acquire wealth. Here are some key aspects of this perspective:

1. Religious Zeal: Many Europeans, particularly the Spanish, viewed the conquest of South America as a divine mission. They believed it was their duty to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity, viewing this as a way to save souls and fulfill what they considered a God-given mandate. Catholic missionaries were seen as crucial in this effort, often undertaking the difficult task of teaching and converting Native populations.

2. Perceptions of Indigenous Peoples: Europeans often viewed the indigenous peoples of South America through a lens of superiority and ethnocentrism. They believed their culture and religion were superior to those of the natives, which justified their conquests and the harsh treatment of indigenous populations. Many Spanish conquistadors considered themselves civilizers, tasked with bringing Christianity and European culture to what they saw as "heathen" lands.

3. Quest for Wealth: The pursuit of gold and other riches was a major motivating factor for European explorers and conquistadors. The narratives of immense wealth in the Americas, such as the legendary cities of gold, fueled expeditions. The extraction of precious metals like gold and silver significantly enriched Spain and transformed it into a dominant world power during the 16th century.

4. Glory and National Pride: Conquistadors sought personal fame and prestige through their exploits. Successful conquests were often celebrated and led to titles, land grants, and wealth for the conquerors. This quest for personal glory was intertwined with national pride, as successful conquests were seen as demonstrations of the power and superiority of Spain and Portugal over other nations and cultures.

5. Justification of Conquest: The Spanish and Portuguese often rationalized their brutal methods and the displacement of native peoples with the belief that they were bringing civilization to the indigenous populations. They argued that the benefits of European governance, economy, and religion outweighed the suffering inflicted upon native communities.

In summary, the European perspective during the conquest of South America was shaped by a mixture of religious conviction, the pursuit of wealth, a sense of superiority, and a desire for personal and national glory. These motivations led to profound and often devastating changes in the lives of the indigenous peoples and the cultures of South America.