Question

What was the "Black Legend" and how did the writings of Las Casas contribute to the spread of this "legend?"

Answer 1

The Black Legend was concocted with one aim in view: to discredit Spain, the leading European power in the 16th century. Other powers of the time were conspiring to usurp its place, and eventually they succeeded. Thus it was the bourgeoisie of the other colonial powers which invented the Black Legend.

Answer 2

The Black Legend was concocted with one aim in view: to discredit Spain, the leading European power in the 16th century. Other powers of the time were conspiring to usurp its place, and eventually they succeeded. Thus it was the bourgeoisie of the other colonial powers which invented the Black Legend.

Step-by-step explanation:

Black Legend, Spanish Leyenda Negra, term indicating an unfavourable image of Spain and Spaniards, accusing them of cruelty and intolerance, formerly prevalent in the works of many non-Spanish, and especially Protestant, historians. ...