Question

To what extent did spanish conquest of the Americas impacct the people and cultures of Native Americans? DBQ response

Doc 2 Source: Bernal Diaz, "The True History of the Conquest of the New Spain." 1517-1519

Answer 1

The Spanish conquest of the Americas had a significant impact on the people and cultures of Native Americans. Diseases introduced by Europeans caused a sharp decline in the indigenous population. Additionally, the Spanish exploited native labor and sought to impose their religious beliefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Spanish conquest of the Americas had a significant impact on the people and cultures of Native Americans. One major impact was the introduction of diseases from Europe, such as smallpox, which caused a devastating decline in the indigenous population. For example, the population of Hispaniola decreased from over a million to only 500 in just over 50 years.

Additionally, the Spanish colonization resulted in the forced labor and exploitation of native peoples. The Spanish saw the indigenous populations as subjects of conquest and sought to control their labor and religious beliefs. However, many Native Americans resisted these efforts, either by participating in rebellions or by incorporating only certain aspects of Catholicism.

Overall, the Spanish conquest had a profound and lasting impact on the Native Americans, leading to population decline, cultural disruption, and resistance.