The Inca was powerful indigenous (native) group from South America. They built a large empire in South America that extended through the Andes Mountains and along the west coast. By 1525, the empire stretched 2,600 miles. They were excellent architects and engineers and built a large network of roads and bridges. (See middle image for greatest accomplishments.) These helped their strong central government control even the most distant parts of the empire. The Inca believed in many gods.

Question

The Spanish came to South America in 1532 looking for gold. Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro conquered the Incas by 1533, destroying cities, taking valuable resources, and killing many Incans.
what is the Native Point of View

Answer 1

The Native Point of View, particularly from the perspective of the Inca people during the Spanish conquest, reflects their experiences, beliefs, and societal values. Here are several key aspects of this perspective:

1. Cultural Pride and Legacy: The Incas had a rich culture, founded on a sense of community, spiritual beliefs, and impressive architectural and engineering achievements. They took pride in their extensive empire, which included advanced agricultural practices, intricate textiles, and advanced knowledge of astronomy and medicine.

2. Disruption and Violence: The arrival of the Spanish was experienced as a violent invasion. Many Incas likely viewed Pizarro and his forces as destroyers who disrupted their lives, causing considerable suffering through warfare, destruction of cities, and the loss of their leaders.

3. Loss of Sovereignty: The Inca people viewed their empire as a cohesive and powerful entity. The Spanish conquest led to the loss of their autonomy, sovereignty, and ability to govern themselves, which would have been a profound source of distress and anger.

4. Religious and Spiritual Conflict: The Inca religion, which centered around many gods and a strong spiritual connection to the land and nature, was challenged by the Spanish introduction of Christianity. Many Incas would have experienced this as an affront to their beliefs and cultural practices.

5. Destruction of Resources and Communities: The Spanish conquest brought about the seizure of land, wealth, and resources, which would have devastated local economies and communities that relied on these resources for survival and prosperity. The systemic violence and exploitation of Inca labor in mining and agriculture would have further deepened their plight.

6. Resistance and Resilience: Despite the overwhelming odds, there would have been a sense of resistance among many Incas, as they sought to defend their land, their culture, and their way of life against foreign occupation. This spirit of resilience persists even today among indigenous groups in South America as they continue to celebrate their heritage and fight for rights.

In summary, the Native Point of View highlights a profound sense of pride in cultural identity, a deep sense of loss and conflict due to the conquest, and an ongoing struggle for recognition and preservation of their heritage in the face of colonial oppression.