Document based question
analyze the european explorers’ perception of native americans and its impact on their social and political relationships.

document a
juan ginés de sepúlveda belittles the indians (1547)

the spanish have a perfect right to rule these barbarians of the new world and the adjacent islands, who in prudence, skill, virtues, and humanity are as inferior to the spanish as children to adults, or women to men, for there exists between the two as great a difference between savage and cruel races and the most merciful, between the most intemperate and the moderate and temperate and, i might even say, between apes and men….

compare, then, these gifts of prudence, talent, magnanimity, temperance, humanity, and religion with those possessed by these half-men, in whom you will barely find the vestiges of humanity, who not only do not possess any learning at all, but are not even literate or in possession of any monument to their history except for some obscure and vague reminiscences of several things put down in various paintings; nor do they have written laws, but barbarian institutions and customs

document b
bartolomé de las casas defends the indians (1552)

they [native americans] are not ignorant, inhuman, or bestial. rather, long before they had heard the word spaniard they had properly organized states, wisely ordered by excellent laws, religion, and custom. they cultivated friendship and, bound together in common fellowship, lived in populous cities in which they wisely administered the affairs of both peace and war justly and equitably, truly governed by laws that at very many points surpass ours, and could have won the admiration of the sages of athens….
the indians will embrace the teaching of the gospel, as i well know, for they are not stupid or barbarous but have a native sincerity and are simple, moderate, and meek, and, finally, such that i do not know whether there is any people readier to receive the gospel. once they have embraced it, it is marvelous with what piety, eagerness, faith, and charity they obey christ’s precepts and venerate the sacraments. for they are docile and clever, and in their diligence and gifts of nature, they excel most peoples of the known world.

document activity: analyze the european explorers’ perception of native americans and its impact on their social and political relationships.
document a
juan ginés de sepúlveda belittles the indians (1547)
document b
bartolomé de las casas defends the indians (1552)

speaker
who is the writer/speaker? who do they represent?

occasion
when/where are they writing? provide any other background information.

audience
who are they writing/speaking to?

purpose
why might they saying this? what are they trying to achieve?

subject
what arguments do they give to support their position?