Why did missionaries come to South America? What impact did they have on native populations in South America?

Question

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.
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.

Answer 1

Missionaries arrived in South America primarily driven by the desire to spread Christianity among indigenous populations, following the conquests by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. Their efforts aimed not only to convert native peoples but also to establish a colonial foothold that supported the broader goals of empire-building and control over newly acquired territories.

Reasons for Missionary Presence

1. Religious Motivation: A central motive for missionaries, particularly Catholic ones, was the Great Commission — the idea of spreading the Gospel and converting non-Christians. They saw this as a divine imperative.

2. Support for Colonialism: Missionaries often accompanied colonizers and played a role in legitimizing colonial rule. Their presence was intended to facilitate the assimilation of indigenous peoples into European customs and beliefs.

3. Cultural Exchange: The missionaries sought to replace indigenous religions with Christianity but sometimes incorporated local customs into their teachings, resulting in a unique syncretism where both belief systems coexisted.

Impact on Native Populations

1. Population Decline: The arrival of Europeans and missionaries contributed to dramatic declines in indigenous populations due to violence, forced labor, and diseases like smallpox, which decimated communities that lacked immunity.

2. Cultural Disruption: Traditional beliefs, practices, and social structures were often disregarded or outright suppressed. The imposition of Christianity led to significant cultural change as missionaries established churches, schools, and missions.

3. Social Hierarchies: Missionaries often created a class of "civilized" Christians and marginalized those who resisted conversion. This stratification affected social dynamics and power structures within indigenous communities.

4. Education and Literacy: Despite their often coercive methods, missionaries also introduced education and literacy, which had long-lasting effects on indigenous peoples. The ability to read and write enabled some communities to engage with broader social and economic systems, with varying outcomes.

5. Land and Economic Changes: The establishment of missions sometimes led to the appropriation of land for agricultural purposes, changing traditional land use and leading to economic upheaval for native populations.

In summary, missionaries came to South America with the intent of converting indigenous peoples to Christianity, motivated by a mix of religious fervor and colonial interests. Their impact was profound, resulting in the loss of life, cultural erosion, the establishment of new social hierarchies, and significant changes to the indigenous way of life. While some aspects of European education and practices were assimilated, the overall consequences were often detrimental to local cultures and populations.