Breaking Down the Religious and Moral Reasons Behind the Spanish Conquest — In Everyday Language
Have you ever wondered why the Spanish, when they landed in the Americas centuries ago, thought it was okay to take over entire societies? It turns out, the answer isn’t just about gold or glory. According to the historian and philosopher Tzvetan Todorov, the Spanish had a whole set of beliefs that made them feel what they were doing was not only acceptable, but actually good and necessary.1 Let’s break down these ideas in simple terms.
The Spanish Saw Themselves as Doing God’s Work
First, religion was at the center of everything in Spain at that time. The Spanish didn’t just see themselves as conquerors—they thought they were messengers of God. Many Spanish leaders believed it was their job to “save” the people they met in the Americas by converting them to Christianity. Back then, anyone who wasn’t Christian was called a “heathen,” and trying to convert heathens was seen as a holy duty.
So, when the Spanish took over new lands, they didn’t just say “we want your gold.” They said, “We’re here to save your souls.” This made the conquest sound like a mission from God, not just a land grab.
“Just War”: Fighting for a Good Reason?
But what about all the fighting and taking over? The Spanish used an idea called “just war.” This was a set of rules created in Christian Europe about when it was okay to go to war. If you were fighting for a “good cause”—like defending your faith or protecting people—you could say your war was justified.
For the Spanish, spreading Christianity was the best reason of all. So, if someone refused to convert or resisted Spanish rule, the Spanish could say it was okay to use force—because they believed they were fighting for the right reasons.
The Church Gave Its Blessing
The Catholic Church didn’t just stand on the sidelines. In fact, the Pope (the head of the Catholic Church) officially gave Spain permission to take over and convert the people in the Americas. This came in 1493, when Pope Alexander VI wrote a special letter called a “papal bull,” saying Spain could claim and “evangelize” any new lands they found. With this blessing, the Spanish could claim they had God’s approval for everything they did.
Seeing Indigenous People as “Other”
A big part of the Spanish justification came from how they viewed the native people. Instead of seeing them as equals, the Spanish thought of themselves as more advanced and civilized. They looked at the indigenous cultures and religions as strange, and even less human. This made it easier for the Spanish to treat the people harshly, because they convinced themselves they were helping, not hurting.
Not Everyone in Spain Agreed
It’s important to know that not all Spanish people were okay with this. Some spoke out against the violence and unfair treatment of indigenous people. For example, Bartolomé de las Casas, a Spanish priest, argued for the rights and humanity of the people in the Americas. These voices remind us that there was debate and disagreement, even among the Spanish themselves.
Putting It All Together
So, in simple terms, Todorov explains that the Spanish conquest was justified by mixing religion, “just war” ideas, and beliefs about being superior. The Spanish convinced themselves—and tried to convince others—that they were bringing light and salvation, not just taking land and riches. The Church gave them its blessing, and ideas about cultural differences helped them ignore the suffering they caused.
By looking at these cultural encounters through Todorov’s perspective, we can better understand how powerful beliefs and justifications can shape history—and how important it is to look beyond the surface when considering why people act the way they do.
Notes:
- The conquest of America : the question of the other I Tzvetan Todorov I Year: 1999 I Publisher: University Of Oklahoma Press Publisher I Place: Norman I ISBN: 9780806131375
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