Question

Now think about the information you learned in all three passages. How do you think Las Casas would feel about the respective actions of Columbus and Cortés toward the people in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan? Why? Your answer should be in the form of a 75 to 100-word paragraph.

a) Las Casas would likely be highly critical of Columbus and Cortés, as he was an advocate for the rights of indigenous people and spoke out against their mistreatment. He would condemn their actions in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan as inhumane and unjust.
b) Las Casas would support Columbus and Cortés, as he believed in the superiority of European culture and thought that their actions were necessary for the advancement of Christianity and civilization.
c) Las Casas would have mixed feelings about Columbus and Cortés, acknowledging both their achievements and their wrongdoings, but ultimately, he would support their missions.
d) Las Casas would have no opinion on the matter, as he had no knowledge of the events in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan

Answer 1

Bartolomé de Las Casas would be highly critical of Columbus and Cortés because of his strong advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples and his sharp condemnation of their mistreatment by Spanish conquistadors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bartolomé de Las Casas would likely be highly critical of Columbus and Cortés based on his adamant advocacy for indigenous rights and his denouncements of their mistreatment. Drawing from Las Casas's prolific writings, such as 'A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies', it's clear that he saw the Spanish conquests in the Americas as devastating and predatory on the native populations. Las Casas detailed the atrocities committed by the colonists and argued passionately against the encomienda system which exploited the indigenous peoples.His vehement efforts led to reforms such as the New Laws of 1542 that aimed to abolish this abusive system. Thus, it's evident that he would find the actions of Columbus and Cortés in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan reprehensible. Through his endeavors, Las Casas has been recognized as a prominent figure demanding the fair treatment and preservation of indigenous communities, which starkly contrasts with the behaviors of Columbus and Cortés.In conclusion, Las Casas would view the actions of Columbus and Cortés as inhumane and contrary to his life's work advocating for the rights and welfare of the native peoples.

Answer 2

Las Casas would likely be highly critical of Columbus and Cortés, as he was an advocate for the rights of indigenous people and spoke out against their mistreatment. He would condemn their actions in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan as inhumane and unjust. The correct answer is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bartolomé de las Casas would most likely be highly critical of the actions of Columbus and Cortés toward the people in Hispaniola and Tenochtitlan. Las Casas, after a change of heart from being an encomendero, became a fervent advocate for the rights of indigenous people.

His works clearly document his disdain for the cruelty inflicted upon the native populations by the Spanish conquerors. In his 1552 book, A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, Las Casas decried the atrocities committed by the Spanish, describing their actions in such terms as “tear the natives to shreds, murder them and inflict upon them untold misery.”

Thus, option a) Las Casas would likely be highly critical of Columbus and Cortés reflects his established views and advocacy for the fair treatment of the natives. The correct answer is A.