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The Spanish conquest of the Americas is often said to be about "God, Glory, Gold." Why should we be skeptical it was really about God and conversion of the Indians?

User Behrang
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Final answer:

The 'God' motive in the Spanish conquest of the Americas is often overstated and used as a justifying narrative. More substantial evidence points to the pursuit of wealth and glory as primary motivations, which often resulted in exploitation and enslavement of the indigenous populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

While it's true that the Spanish conquest of the Americas was partially motivated by the desire to spread Christianity (or 'God'), this 'God' component is often overstated and used as a justifying narrative. There is substantial evidence that the quest for wealth ('Gold') and the pursuit of individual and national glory ('Glory') were perhaps more powerful motivations. These objectives often resulted in ruthless exploitation and enslavement of the indigenous populations, contradicting the principles of Christian faith that prioritizes compassionate conduct and respect for fellow human beings. The 'conversion of the Indians' was often used as a cover for these exploitative practices, and many Spanish conquistadors were more concerned with acquiring wealth than genuinely spreading their faith.

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User Atikur Rabbi
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