Question

What reasons might have led some Europeans in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries not to see “the decline of the . . . native population . . . as a tragedy?” (This quote is from DBQ Set - Document 9.) Use information from the document set to help with your answer. Might any of those reasons still be offered today? Why or why not? If any are, then which? If not, what changed between then and now that might make a difference?

Answer 1

Nationalism and Imperialism

Step-by-step explanation:

The beginning of the expansion of Europe actually began in the 16th century, when Columbus first arrived in North America. Columbus's motivations were established before he even began his voyage. It was akin to his connection with his own nation and support for its interests, particularly at the expense of or in opposition to those of other nations or peoples. Which is the exact definition of Nationalism, and in this case it was the native population. Europe's imperialistic view of colonization led Columbus since he was working under European rule, hence why the colonization of North America, to the detriment of Natives, even occurred. And later on in history, the proposition of Social Darwinism was established, and although it wasn't exactly discovered in the 16th century doesn't mean it didn't exist. Social Darwinism was actually one of the motivations of Europe, which was a direct reason as to why you did not see any remorse or empathy, or recognition of it as a tragedy for the decline of the native populations.