The Conquest of the Americas

Paper Summary:

This paper retraces the efforts of the first Spanish conquerors of the New World, the Franciscans, and the motives behind their efforts. The paper points out that these motives were primarily religious and explains the different types of Christianizing that took place. Also discussed is the hit or miss type of rule the Spanish exerted over the Americas, the reasons for some of their failures, as well as their successes, the effect the Spanish invasion had on Native Americans and whether the Spanish conquest should be considered successful with regard to its original purpose.

From the Paper:

"When twelve barefoot Franciscans led by Martin de Valencia began marching two hundred and seventy miles from the coastal road of Vera Cruz to Mexico City, they carried a cross, not bladed weapons of war. They had come to fight a spiritual war. Their desire was to conquer Mexico and the heathen natives. Their apostolic mandate was to convert the pagans worshiping hideous idols and performing rites violative of what is true, good and beautiful."

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