Las Casas Question US History ERS
*The Spanish kings considered themselves champions of Christendom during this time, with a special responsibility to spread the Gospel and remain in God's graces. What is the implication of sentence?*
If they do not *protect the natives,* they also will be *punished by God.*
*If the Taino subjects "understood not the practical use of digging in Golden Mines," what does that imply about the value of gold in the Taino culture?*
It means that they *did not value gold* as much as the Spanish did.
*How does this portrayal advance de Las Casas's argument?*
It shows that the natives are *naïve and child-like* and can't defend themselves. It shows that the Spanish *must protect them.*
*Describe Guarionex's kingdom, including its political structure. Why does de Las Casas describe it as he does?*
Guarionex was the *King of Magua.* It was *similar* to the *monarchies of Europe.* He describes it like this so that the *Spanish could recognize it.*
*De Las Casas describes King Guarionex as courageous, even tempered, obedient, and moral. What is the effect of this description?*
He is *contrasting* the King to the *Spanish soldiers, the conquistadors.* He portrays the conquistadors as people who *kill possible future citizens* instead of *converting them.*
*Rather than large gold tributes, what alternative for making money did King Guarionex (the Caiu) offer in sentence 16?*
He offered his *service* to the *King of Castille* on the condition that he would be able to *farm on the lands the Spanish owned.*
*What tone does de Las Casas create in this excerpt? How does he create that tone? Cite evidence from the text.*
De Las Casas uses his *words* to portray the events that happened. This leads to a *negative tone towards the Spanish.* Using words such as *slaughter*, he portrays the Spanish as *murderous invaders*. He also portrays the loss of their freedoms by using words such as *slaves and ill-treated.*
*How does de Las Casas portray the natives in this passage? Cite evidence from the text.*
Las Casas portrayed the natives as *naïve*. They believed that the Spanish were *sent from heaven*, and as such treated them well until the cruelty started. Las Casas also portrays the weapons that the natives use similar to *naïve boys.*
*How did the Spanish react when King Guarionex reduced the gold tribute?*
They had a Spanish Captain *rape his wife* and called him *unworthy of being Christian.*
*Based on the Spanish reaction, what can you infer about how they view Guarionex, a king? Why?*
They no longer consider him as *respectful as a king*, they cannot believe he *didn't fight back.*
*According to de Las Casas, even at a reduced tribute how much gold could the Spanish King expect to receive each year?*
He received *three million Spanish crowns or more.*
*What relationship did King Guarionex have with Spain? How did he prove this relationship?*
He was *devoted* to the service of the *Castilian Kings,* he ordered his Subjects that every Lord under his jurisdiction should present him with a *bell full of gold.*
*If you were a king or queen of Spain who sent the conquistadors to the New World to Christianize natives and ship back gold and silver to Spain, how would you respond to the story detailed here by de Las Casas? Why?*
I would respond with anger as the conquistadors were attempting to take the land and its goods for themselves.
*How did the Natives respond to the Spanish violence against them? What were the results?*
The Natives responded by *arming themselves* to fight against them, but they were *no match* for the Spanish's weaponry. As such, they did *very little.*
*How would you characterize the Spanish treatment of the natives?*
The Spanish treated the natives *very violently.* They had taken natives as *slaves* and *murdered* those who were not of use.
*In what ways does de Las Casas compare Magua with Europe? What is the effect of the comparison?*
The kingdom includes *many rivers and mountains,* similar to Europe. By comparing it to Europe, he is showing the *beauty of the waterways and the usefulness of the rivers.*
*In this description, what would be the most important detail for the Spanish King and Queen? Why?*
The most important detail would be the *presence of gold,* as it could *strengthen their kingdom* if they were to harvest it.
*Describe the Kingdom of Magua. What does its name mean? How large is it in square miles?*
The name means *"open country,"* which describes the Kingdom. The Island was *80 miles* from the *South to the North*, and *9 to 10 miles* from *East to West*. It was *720 to 800 square miles large.*
*How did the Natives come to characterize the Spanish? Why?*
The natives thought they were *sent from heaven*, but they then characterized them as *óevil* when they started to *treat them unjustly.*
*How did the Natives respond to the Spanish cruelty?*
They *hid* from the Spanish in *nearby caves*, and some even *fled to the mountains* to *avoid the Spanish cruelty.*
*What is the effect of de Las Casas providing such a detailed geographic description of the kingdom in this excerpt?*
This shows Las Casas as a *beautiful paradise,* showing that there should be a reason to *conquer this land.*
*What does this characterization tell us about the original perception of the Natives regarding the Spanish?*
This tells us that they originally thought they were *sent from heaven* to *reward them* for conquering their fear.
