Essay on Colonial Latin American History part 2
Essay on Colonial Latin American History part 1
Spain’s methods of conquest
In order to build a new American Empire, the Spanish used a number of methods and techniques during the reconquista of Spain. The major aim of the Spanish Empire was to draw away the Muslims from the territories of the New World and establish the rule of Christianity. During the conquest of the Muslims, the Spanish conquistadors lived among them and tried to impose their own culture upon the indigenous people. The settlers of Spain that became known as peninsulares were mostly comprised of men. Consequently, marriage between the Spanish settlers and indigenous women of the land was quite a common phenomenon. Such marriages consequently formed a mixed Native American and Spanish population. Today, their descendants mostly live in present Mexico as well as other Latin American countries and some parts of the USA.
Despite the fact that the Spanish conquerors used to live among the native people and intermarried with them, they also greatly oppressed them. Oppression of the indigenous people was fierce and violent. In an effort to exploit the region for its ample and precious natural resources, the Spanish conquistadors forced the Native American people to work within a special system that became known as encomienda[1]. According to this system, native people had to farm, mine and ranch for the Spanish landlords, whom the Spanish authorities gave all rights to the labor of natives. Although those who received such rights promised the Spanish governors that they would treat their workers with respect and act fairly, they failed to keep their promise. As a result, many of the natives were abused and a great number of laborers died, especially those working inside the hazardous mines. The Spanish conquistadors, however, used the same violent system in the Caribbean region as well.
Opposition of Latin Americans to Spanish Rule
It is known that Spanish priests worked hard to spread Christian religion in America. They also advocated for better treatment of the native population of Latin America. It is evident that Spanish priests stood against the cruel and violent treatment of Native Americans and their oppression by Spanish conquistadors. They especially criticized the fierce and harsh labor conditions that took place under the encomienda ruling system. The Spanish priests considered that there was nothing more cruel, violent and truly detestable, than the harsh tyranny of the Spaniards towards the indigenous population of Latin America[2]. And all this was for the sake of pursuing gold and silver and getting rich. As a result, the Spanish government decided to abolish the existing labor system, which was accomplished in 1542. Instead, to meet the desperate need of the Spanish colonies for labor, it was suggested to use Africans. The Spanish that colonized the Americas soon began using Africans as their slaves to meet the ever increasing labor needs, although the priests largely disapproved of such methods either.
However, the opposition to the method of colonization used by the Spanish came not only from the priests, but from the native population as well. Harsh resistance towards the Spain’s attempt to dominate the lands of Latin America started shortly after the Spaniards landed ashore the Caribbean region. Thus, the attempts of Columbus to conquer today’s island of St. Croix resulted in great opposition from the side of the natives[3]. The inhabitants of the island defended their land and themselves by firing poisonous arrows at the invaders, who consequently had to surrender. The efforts of the Spaniards to gain control over other regions of Latin America met with even harsher resistance. Some of the conquered lands made attempts to revolt during the later years of colonization.
It needs to be mentioned that the attitude of Spaniards towards the natives of Latin America was expressed not only in their exploitation and harsh working conditions, but also in the methods employed by the Spanish to convert the native population to Christianity. Thus, Spanish priests and conquistadors often burned various sacred objects that the natives possessed and even prohibited the rituals that the indigenous people were accustomed to. The Spanish soldiers also abused the natives physically. Thus, the people of America that practiced their own religion were severely beaten. All this resulted in a great number of rebellions from the side of Latin American native population.
Conclusion
To conclude, it needs to be said that the discovery of the new land and further exploration of the region led to a number of revolutionary outcomes and surely changed the whole history of America. The influence of the Spanish colonization of Latin America is immense and truly immeasurable. It should be admitted that due to the harsh conditions, in which the natives of Latin America have been kept by Spanish Empire, the indigenous population of the region grew to loathe and fear the Spanish conquistadors, which resulted in a number of revolts from the side of the natives. The word “conquistador” that means “conqueror” has acquired a long-lasting stigma that continues to present days.
Nobody knows what would have happened, if Christopher Columbus did not discover the New World. It can be firmly stated that the history would be different. However, everything is always for the best. The consequences of the colonization of Latin America are numerous. Thus, it should be said that the colonization had a great cultural impact on the natives of Latin America. The populations and cultures of the indigenous peoples of America experienced a great number of changes because of the Spanish colonization of their lands. The intermarriages, labor conditions and the circumstances of the invasion itself greatly influenced the number of Latin American population, their culture, religious beliefs and inherent values that the natives had before.
The above research has analyzed different aspects of the Spanish colonization of Latin America. It explored such aspects as the reasons, circumstances, methods and outcomes of the colonization of the New World by the Spaniards. Finally, it needs to be admitted that the Spanish colonization of the Latin American lands brought about a great number of changes to the entire history of America. And these changes are evident even in the present day Latin America that has gained its independence long ago and the times of colonization are now simply a part of the history.
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