Europeans, and especially the Spanish, justified conquest in Christian religious terms
Europeans, and especially the Spanish, justified conquest in Christian religious terms, arguing that conquest was intended to spread Christianity or unite Christians. Look at how both texts discuss religion and look for similarities and differences. Is religion the primary motivating factor? If not, what is the motivating factor and what role did religion play?
Sample Solution
While both European and Spanish narratives likely used religious justifications for conquest, it's important to delve deeper to understand the true motivations and the role religion played.
Similarities:
- Spreading Christianity: Both narratives might emphasize converting indigenous populations to Christianity as a goal of conquest.
- Religious Superiority: An underlying assumption of Christian superiority over other religions might be present.
- Divine Sanction: The concept of divine approval for conquest, with God on the side of the Europeans/Spanish, could be a theme.
Full Answer Section
Differences:
- Emphasis: The Spanish, being a more Catholic nation at the time, might place a stronger emphasis on religious justifications compared to other European powers.
- Political Agendas: Other European nations might highlight political or economic motives more prominently alongside religious justifications.
Primary Motivating Factor:
Religion was likely not the primary motivating factor for conquest, but rather a tool used to legitimize actions with a moral cloak.
True Motivations:
- Economic Gain: Acquiring resources like gold, spices, and new trade routes was a significant driver for conquest.
- Expansion of Empires: Building and expanding empires for power and prestige was another key motivator.
- Military Glory: Conquest could be seen as a way to demonstrate military prowess and national strength.
The Role of Religion:
Religion played a complex role:
- Justification: Religious justifications provided a moral and ethical framework for conquest, making it seem like a righteous endeavor.
- Social Control: Conversion to Christianity could be used as a tool for social control and assimilation of conquered populations.
- Legitimization: Religious authority figures endorsing conquest could lend legitimacy to the actions of European/Spanish rulers.
Conclusion:
While religious justifications were prominent in conquest narratives, they were likely a facade for more tangible motivations like economic gain and imperial expansion. Religion served as a tool to legitimize actions and provide a moral framework for conquest.