History The Spanish Conquistadors Questions Medium
The attitudes of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples varied, but overall, they can be characterized as a mix of exploitation, domination, and cultural assimilation.
Many conquistadors saw the indigenous peoples as inferior and believed it was their divine duty to convert them to Christianity and bring them under Spanish rule. They viewed the indigenous peoples as pagan and uncivilized, and therefore, saw themselves as superior and justified in their actions.
The conquistadors sought to exploit the indigenous peoples for their labor and resources. They forced them into labor systems such as encomienda and mita, where indigenous people were essentially enslaved and made to work in mines, plantations, or as domestic servants. This exploitation often resulted in the mistreatment, abuse, and even death of many indigenous individuals.
Additionally, the conquistadors aimed to erase indigenous cultures and replace them with Spanish customs and traditions. They destroyed temples, idols, and sacred sites, replacing them with churches and Christian symbols. They also imposed their language, laws, and social structures on the indigenous peoples, attempting to assimilate them into Spanish society.
However, it is important to note that not all conquistadors shared the same attitudes. Some individuals, such as Bartolomé de las Casas, criticized the mistreatment of indigenous peoples and advocated for their rights. Nevertheless, the overall attitude of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples was one of exploitation, domination, and cultural assimilation.