Spanish Encounters Part 1 Essay

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Reading Comprehension Questions Part 1: Spanish Encounters

How does Columbus portray the people he encounters in this letter?
When Columbus reaches the Island of Juana, he states “I could not have speech because they all fled immediately” (pg. 35). This quote illustrates how the natives were scared to meet the Americans; perhaps the natives did not want to be taken as property so they ran away. In addition, since there was no interaction (because the Natives were timid and scared) , it was easy for Columbus to take over their land. In conclusion, the Natives are portrayed as weak, for they did nothing to protect their land against Columbus.

2. Why do you think he portrays them this way?
Columbus portrays the Native Americans as weak individuals
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Explain 3 atrocities he describes in pg. 34-41. In your own words and cite pages.
Overall, the Natives were cruelly punished and seen as entertainment for the Christians. For example, babies are being taken away from their mothers to be thrown into the river (Bartolome de las Casas, pg.40). Next , many Indians were being burned alive (pg. 40). Finally, the Christians disrespected the Indians when a Christian raped their Queen (pg. 40)

4. Why do you think he describes them so graphically?
In his biography, Bartolome De las Casas, is known for being the “protector of the Indians”; therefore, he advocates for them and tries to create sympathy to make most Christians realize that they are crossing the line (pg. 39). He believes that good Christians should not treat other human beings in such a cruel manner, for that is against their religious beliefs.

5. What is the purpose of this document?
The purpose of this document is to inform the public how cruelly the Indians are being treated by most Christians. Bartolome De las Casas believes that any type of slavery is immoral,and tries to gain sympathy to stop such cruel actions (pg. 39).

Section 2. Video
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Find two instances.

American Indians were described as uncivilized and savage creatures, for they caused fear after they led out a strange cry (Bradford, pg. 136). Next, they came out of nowhere with arrows to attack the English men. (pg. 136). On the other hand, the English men felt amazed with Squanto, for he is a Native that knows their language and is willing to guide them (teaches the English men how to plant, hunt, and learn about other Native tribes) (pg. 41). He is described as a humble Indian in Bradford’s narrative. As a result, the English men and the Natives come to peace.

B. Find 2 examples of Typology and explain how does it help her interpret what is happening to

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