How History Repeats Itself in Beliefs and Politics
Sometimes, to really understand what’s happening in today’s world, it helps to look back at history and see the patterns that repeat themselves. By comparing the Spanish conquest of the Americas centuries ago to certain modern political movements—like conservative rights beliefs and Christian nationalism—we can learn a lot about how people justify their actions, see themselves as morally right, and decide who “belongs” and who doesn’t.
Todorov’s Big Idea: How We See Ourselves and Others
Tzvetan Todorov, a historian and thinker, looked closely at the Spanish conquest.1 He noticed that the Spanish didn’t just arrive with swords and horses—they also came convinced that their mission was blessed by God. They believed their actions were not only legal, but morally good because they were “saving souls.” In other words, by claiming a higher, religious calling, they could justify their violence and dominance.
This way of thinking helped the Spanish feel better about what they were doing, even if it meant hurting or destroying other groups. They saw the native people as “others”—so different and “less-than” that it was supposedly okay to conquer them “for their own good.”
Religion and Moral Justification: Old and New
The Spanish conquerors had help from the Catholic Church, which gave them official backing and told them their actions were righteous. The concept of “just war” (meaning war for the right reasons) gave them a legal and religious green light to do what they did.
Fast forward to today, and you see some similar ideas at play, especially in parts of America and other places where Christian nationalism is strong. Some modern conservative or Christian nationalist movements claim that their beliefs and actions are guided by God and that they’re protecting or restoring a “Christian nation.” Policies and attitudes that favor certain groups or restrict others (like immigrants or LGBTQ+ people) are presented as part of a sacred mission, not just politics.
Making “Others” Out of People
One thing both the Spanish and some modern movements have in common is the creation of “otherness.” The Spanish saw the indigenous people as so different that it became easier to justify taking their land and power. In today’s world, people who don’t fit a certain religious or cultural mold—whether they’re from a minority religion, immigrants, or part of the LGBTQ+ community—can be painted as threats or outsiders. Calling someone “other” makes it easier to ignore their rights or even support policies that hurt them.
The Role of Authority and Legitimacy
In both cases, big institutions—like the Catholic Church back then or certain religious groups and leaders now—add weight to these ideas. When a respected authority says something is okay or even holy, it can shut down debate and make people feel their actions are not just right, but untouchable.
But There’s Always Dissent
It’s important to remember that not everyone in these dominant groups agreed. During the conquest, some Spaniards—like Bartolomé de las Casas—stood up for the humanity of the indigenous peoples. Today, too, there are people within conservative or Christian circles who push back against exclusion and emphasize kindness, inclusion, and respect for diversity. These voices show that the dominant story is always being questioned from within.
So, What Can We Learn?
Both the Spanish conquerors and modern Christian nationalists use a similar set of tools: claiming moral superiority, using religion to justify dominance, and labeling others as outside the “true” group. This pattern is powerful because it turns complicated issues of power and culture into simple stories of good versus bad, us versus them.
Todorov encourages us to be skeptical of these stories. Just because someone claims a higher purpose doesn’t make their actions just. And just because someone is labeled as “other” doesn’t mean they are any less human or deserving of respect.
Conclusion: Listening to the Voices That Challenge Us
Looking at the past and present through Todorov’s lens helps us see how easy it is for groups to justify harm by claiming righteousness, and how quickly “otherness” can be used as a weapon. But it also reminds us that there have always been people brave enough to challenge the dominant story, to argue for empathy and justice. The lesson is simple but powerful: we should always question easy justifications and be wary of stories that divide, rather than unite, our shared humanity.
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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