Final answer:
The harsh treatment of Native Americans by European colonizers can be attributed to economic interests, land acquisition, and the catastrophic impact of European diseases for which Native Americans had no immunity. Conflicts arose from different cultural beliefs regarding land ownership and European objectives to convert natives to Christianity, all contributing to indigenous population declines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The harsh treatment of Native Americans by European colonizers during the colonization of the Americas can be attributed to several factors. The primary motivations for Europeans included economic interests and land acquisition. The introduction of European diseases like smallpox also played a significant role in the near-extermination of indigenous populations because Native Americans had no immunity to these ailments. Moreover, differing conceptions of land ownership led to conflict, as Native Americans did not practice private land ownership, which clashed with European practices and values.
Furthermore, the Europeans exploited the natural resources of the Americas for economic gain, which included the enslavement of indigenous peoples. Religious differences also played a part, with Europeans often desiring to convert Native Americans to Christianity, leading to cultural clashes and conflicts. These issues, combined with warfare and the spread of diseases to populations without immunity, significantly impacted Native societies, disrupting traditional lifestyles and leading to devastating population losses.