2007-09-01 04:53:39 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The Spanish soldiers were not of the opinion that the natives were even human beings.
This is the primary reason that missionaries were sent to the new world, it was thought that if the natives were converted to Catholicism that the natives would be elevated to the status of human being and the conquistadores would stop killing them.
2007-09-01 05:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Spanish assumed all Native Americans and their religions as heathens to convert or subjugate.
2007-09-01 04:57:14 · answer #2 · answered by Guitarpicker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Spaniards came to the Americas for God, gold, and country. In light of this and the fact they were staunch, devout Catholics they believed this to be perfect opportunity to achieve these goals. Natives of the Americas were considered heathens in need of salvation. By converting these "benighted heathens" and saving their souls provided the perfect method of enslaving them. The slaves then became those who worked the gold and silver mines of S. America and thus enriching Spanish coffers. In this way they served God by mass conversion of unbelievers, conquered a nation and obtained the gold for the king's treasury.
gatita_63109
2007-09-01 05:11:40 · answer #3 · answered by gatita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋