Europeans exchanged letters to the royal throne, and claimed that by accumulating new territories it would further open the possibilities, and boundaries for Europe to expand their economy. This would also include bringing light to the indigenous cultures, and helping to maintain the balance of power in Europe, all in the name of God. This of course was a cover-up to allow them to fulfill their greed, and desire for status and wealth. The Europeans had an almost legitimate reason for being able to journey into the indigenous land. They clearly knew that by claiming that the expedition was to honor, and spread the word of God and Christianity, then they would be funded and fully supported, when in reality they were just stocking up on gold, …show more content…
It was a sick and deviated plan, to bring them fame and glory, by taking advantage of the Indio people, and leaving them out to dry, so they could achieve high social status and the credentials that would banish their past lives, meaning middle to low class living. While reading some of the letters from the Spaniards, one merchant repeatedly mentioned “ I think we will make a profit on the gold, I am sending you, because it is good. I received the 16 carat gold as being 12-carat, in exchange for merchandise” (Lockhart 21). Literally when they came to Mexico, their greed was magnified with all the possibilities of wealth, and respect that would be received, plus it was a way to resolve and capitalize upon a second shot at riches. To basically illuminate their mindset, they established the Requerimiento, and the Encomienda. The requerimiento was a proclamation, which the Spanish used, quite bluntly, and the deal they had in mind for the natives of the Americas: Convert to Christianity or be attacked and enslaved. In addition, the encomienda would also put the natives in a tough situation because it was basically forcing them to pay tribute, and “offer” free labor, which was basically enslavement. They basically gave the indigenous people no choice, but to be taken