What were the attitudes and perceptions of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples?

What were the attitudes and perceptions of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples?

The attitudes and perceptions of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples varied. While some conquistadors showed respect and admiration for the indigenous cultures, others viewed them as inferior and treated them with cruelty and brutality. Many conquistadors saw the indigenous peoples as obstacles to be conquered and exploited for their resources and labor. Some conquistadors also believed in the superiority of their own religion and sought to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity forcefully. Overall, the attitudes and perceptions of the Spanish conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples were complex and often driven by a combination of greed, religious zeal, and a sense of cultural superiority.