Compare Christopher Columbus And Bartolome De Las Casas

The 15th Century marked the beginning of exploration to the new world. Explorers Christopher Columbus and Bartolome de Las Casas had different perspectives about the natives they encountered upon their voyages. Columbus’ journal and de Las Casas’ narration portrayed the Indians’ appearances similarly however; both explorers had different attitudes towards them. From Columbus’ first encounter with the Indians, his attitude was condescending. He described them as very poor people and believed them to be ignorant. Columbus’ main interests were the three G’s: God, glory, and gold, and this was extremely apparent throughout the writings of his journal. On October 14th, he said that the Indians had no knowledge of fighting, and had previously

He believed it a good idea to take some natives back with him to Spain so that the natives could learn their language, customs, and faith…and of course, tell the Spanish what treasures they have in their country. “They are ready to believe […] quick to recite any prayer we tell them to say, and to make the sign of the cross. Your Majesties should therefore determine to convert them to Christianity…” (p. 9). Columbus believed the Indians had no religion and that they did not know the meaning of evil thus, implying that it would be very simple to convert them to Christianity. “…and great domains and their wealth and all their peoples will be won for Spain, for there is no doubt that these lands hold enormous quantities of gold…” (p. 9-10). His motive was to conquer these innocent people completely, and he did not see anything wrong in doing

His attitudes towards the natives were the opposite; he did not treat them as a conquest, as did Columbus, but rather as actual people. His narration praised the natives as he described them as patient, humble, and slowest to take offence (p.20). “These people are among the cleanliest…excellently fit to receive our holy Catholic faith and to be induced with virtuous customs…” (p. 20). However, like Columbus, de Las Casas also believed that these people should be converted to his religion. He believed that the way the Indians were treated by Christians was wrong, unjust, and contrary to their beliefs. “This unjust thing, this cruelty without precedent, being seen by the Indians perpetrated upon so many guiltless innocents…” (p. 32). De Las Casas expressed his disapproval of the Spaniards treatment of the Indians. He believed it was wrong of them to act in such a way to the innocent and naïve