Hello everyone! Today we discussed the Spanish conquest of the Americas. We discussed the impact of smallpox on native populations and the impact of the Columbian Exchange. We also read an article on the encomienda system in order to understand how Spain governed its colonies.
For homework, you are to read the primary source by Bartolome de Las Casas about the mistreatment of the natives. (NOTE- Unfortunately, I was unable to hand this out during class. Therefore, I have emailed everyone that link through the school email. If you do not receive the link, it is http://www.swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bdorsey1/41docs/02-las.html). He speaks about why the natives are mistreated and he calls for better treatment and the abolition of the encomienda system. After you read the article, you are to write a letter to the king of Spain as if you were Bartolome de Las Casas. These are the points you should discuss:
a. The history of Spanish conquest and mistreatment of the natives
b. Why people are mistreating the natives
c. Call to action- asking the king to stop the mistreatment
d. Appeal to the king and referring to his Catholicism
If you have any questions, please let me know. Have a great day!
~Mr. Mazur
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