Final answer:
The question about 'white pieces given to Soto' seems to reference a mix of historical events related to European and indigenous relations. It touches upon John White's strained relations with the Secotan tribe at Roanoke due to past conflicts and the Aztec's belief in a white-skinned god, which might have contributed to their initial perception of Spanish conquistadors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Why were the white pieces given to Soto?' relates to a broad context of historical interactions between European colonizers and native peoples, but does not specifically pertain to any single historical figure named Soto receiving 'white pieces.' It appears to be a mixed or confused reference. Therefore, I will address the broader context of European-native relations during the colonization period, specifically the events involving John White and his failed attempts to establish peaceful relations with the Secotan tribe at Roanoke, and the misunderstandings stemming from Aztec beliefs about white-skinned gods.
John White and the Secotan
John White's efforts to reestablish cordial relations with the Secotan were severely underminded by past violent interactions. White was not present when Lane's men attacked and killed the Secotan chief, Wingina Pemisapan, and was possibly unaware of the extent of hostilities generated by Lane's actions. The first clear indication of the Secotan's wrath was the murder of colonist George Howe. Whether White could have prevented such troubles is uncertain, but after the brutal killing of Howe, any reconciliation seemed unlikely. The subsequent attack by White and his men on a village they mistakenly believed was Secotan, which actually housed their Croatoan allies, further complicated the situation.
Aztec Misconceptions of Conquistadors
When analyzing the encounters between Spaniards and Mesoamericans, we note that Aztec religious beliefs may have predisposed native people to view white-skinned men as divine, as part of a prophecy involving Quetzalcoatl. Such misunderstandings were evident when Moctezuma reportedly identified Cortés as a descendant of Quetzalcoatl. Observations by contemporaries such as Bernal Díaz suggest these beliefs could have influenced the initial reception and treatment the conquistadors received.
Yamato Clan and Centralization of Power
In Japan, the Yamato clan and others acquiesced to centralizing power partly due to fear of outside threats, demonstrated by diplomatic missions to the Sui and Tang dynasties to avoid attack. The Soga clan, which supported Buddhism, were pivotal in this transformation until Prince Naka no Ōe and Nakatomi no Kamatari displaced them, taking cues from Prince Shōtoku's constitution.