Summary of History Readings

Paragraph 1 "They Say": a summary of the three history author's ideas (this paragraph should show an understanding of Chapter 2, TS, IS)

In the first document, Anton Montecino complained about how the Spaniards had no right to unjustly do what they did to God's people. Greed, lust, pride, and envy are no justification to destroy innocent people over gold. In the second document he explains how St. Peter's was appointed by God to be in charge of all mankind. So therefore, all people must obey him. The Church is the ruler of the kingdom and all people must abide by its rules. If people abide by the rules, they will be given gratitude for conforming to them. But if they choose not to obey, they and their families will be damned and it will be seen as their fault because they chose not to. In the "Destruction of the Indies," Bartolome de Las Casas explains how the Americas were filled with patient and submissive people, unlike the Spaniards. When Spaniard first arrived, they only killed animals in the wild, but soon transformed to killing twelve million people over the course of forty years. The torturing was encouraged by the Lords.


Paragraph 2 "I Say": your response to the ideas put forth by the authors of the history readings

I agree with Anton Montecino on his position in his first document. I believe it is wrong how the Spaniards greed for gold drove them to act so unjustly on the native peoples. People should treat others the way they want to be treated. I doubt the Spaniards would appreciate it if people came over to Spain and tortured and enslaved them. The Spaniards were in the wrong for trying to conquer them in the peace of their own homes. I also somewhat agree with his position in his second document. I feel that people should obey who God appoints because he is the highest authority. If St. Peter is appointed, then the people are demanded to listen to him as well. I think it is going a little far when he says the people that choose not to obey will be damned and enslaved, along with their families. It is understandable that if people don't abide by the rules, they will be enslaved and damned. But I think it is going too far when their families will get the same punishment, when they had no say in the decision. I feel the people who chose not to agree should be punished individually. In "Destruction of the Americas," I feel that the innocent killings were unethical on behalf the Spaniards because it seems like they took pride in what they were doing.