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Find goldConvert the indigenous peoples to Christianity
Spanish conquerors exploited the weakness of Indigenous peoples in the Americas, including their lack of immunity to European diseases, advanced weaponry, and division among tribes. This exploitation, along with other factors, allowed the Spanish conquerors to conquer vast territories and establish colonies in the Americas.
The institution of encomienda allowed Spanish settlers in the Americas to receive land and tribute from indigenous peoples in exchange for educating and converting them to Christianity. However, it often led to abuse and exploitation of the indigenous population.
The arrival of the Spanish in the Caribbean led to significant changes in the indigenous way of life. Many indigenous peoples were enslaved, forcibly converted to Christianity, and faced large-scale population decline due to diseases brought by the Europeans. Their traditional societies, cultures, and economies were disrupted, and they were often marginalized and oppressed by the Spanish colonizers.
The primary goal of missions in Spanish colonial society was to spread Christianity to indigenous populations and convert them to Catholicism. Missionaries also aimed to establish settlements, control land, and enforce Spanish rule over the native peoples. Additionally, missions served to integrate indigenous communities into the colonial economy and society.
Spanish explorers were most focused on obtaining gold, silver, and other valuable resources in the New World. They were driven by the desire for wealth and glory, as well as by the hope of converting indigenous peoples to Christianity.
The arrival of Spanish invaders affected the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica greatly because a lot of them died and the Spanish took a lot of their stuff such as land and gold. Also, the natives lost their religion and traditions and were forced to work as slaves for the Spanish.
Beginning in the mid-1500s, Spanish laws allowed Africans but not indigenous peoples to be enslaved, though in practice both groups continued to be treated poorly by Spanish colonists.
Christianity played a significant role in Spanish colonial rule as it was used as a tool for conversion and assimilation of indigenous populations. The Spanish believed it was their duty to spread Christianity and save souls, which also helped justify their colonization efforts. Christianity provided a way to control and influence the beliefs and behaviors of the indigenous populations, facilitating the establishment of Spanish authority and governance in the colonies.
The encomienda system provided Spanish colonists with control over indigenous peoples' labor and resources in exchange for Christianizing and protecting them. It allowed for the exploitation and abuse of indigenous populations in the Spanish colonies.
Mestizos
They were both indigenous peoples of Mexico and were wiped out by Spanish Conquistadors.