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Bartolome De Las Casas: Defender of the Indians | Dominican

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A Stumbling Block: Bartolome de Las Casas as Defender of the Indians (Dominican)

by Mariano Delgado

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10087 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	144 pages

Early Life and Career

Bartolomé de Las Casas was born in Seville, Spain, in 1484. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a privileged education. In 1502, he traveled to the Americas with his father, who was seeking to establish a plantation on the island of Hispaniola.

Las Casas was initially involved in the conquest and colonization of Hispaniola. However, he soon became disillusioned with the treatment of the indigenous people by the Spanish colonists. In 1514, he witnessed the massacre of 2,000 Taíno Indians by Spanish soldiers. This event had a profound impact on Las Casas, and he dedicated the rest of his life to fighting for the rights of the indigenous people of the Americas.

Defender of the Indians

Las Casas became a Dominican friar in 1522. He spent the rest of his life traveling throughout the Americas, documenting the abuses committed against the indigenous people by the Spanish colonists. He wrote several books and tracts on the subject, including his most famous work, "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies."

In his writings, Las Casas argued that the indigenous people of the Americas were rational and civilized beings who deserved to be treated with respect. He condemned the Spanish colonists for their cruelty and greed, and he called for an end to the conquest and colonization of the Americas.

Las Casas's work had a significant impact on the Spanish government. In 1542, the Spanish Crown passed the New Laws, which outlawed slavery and forced labor of the indigenous people. Las Casas was appointed as the first Bishop of Chiapas, Mexico, in 1544. He spent the rest of his life working to improve the lives of the indigenous people of his diocese.

Legacy

Bartolomé de Las Casas is considered one of the most important figures in the history of human rights. His work helped to raise awareness of the plight of the indigenous people of the Americas, and it inspired other activists to fight for their rights. Las Casas's legacy continues to inspire people today, and he is remembered as a tireless defender of the oppressed.

Bartolomé de Las Casas was a remarkable man who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the indigenous people of the Americas. His work had a significant impact on the Spanish government, and it helped to raise awareness of the plight of the indigenous people. Las Casas's legacy continues to inspire people today, and he is remembered as a tireless defender of the oppressed.

A Stumbling Block: Bartolome de Las Casas as Defender of the Indians (Dominican)

by Mariano Delgado

5 out of 5