The Valladolid Debate

 Bartolome de las Casas was a Spanish Friar who became the first European to advocate for the rights of native Americans. He was invited to Spain to debate the king of Spain in relation to the Encomienda system. The Encomienda system was initiated during the 16th century in Spanish colonies. It was implemented because the Spanish rulers viewed the natives as barbaric and incapable of leading their own nations. As a result, the king decided that a European ruler must be implemented to preside over the colony to instill order and tranquility. de Las Casas though though otherwise; he thought that the natives were capable of living their own free lives and he also believed that they deserved to be treated as humans without being dictated by the King and ruler that was chosen.

As a result, de las Casas began speaking out against the Encomienda system advocating for radical change. So, the king of Spain brought de las Casas to debate Juan Sepulveda in the Spanish court. This came after the Encomienda system became a very popular topic of debate due to its polarizing views. However, the outcome was one that would lead to no solidarity. There was no final outcome because the Spanish court decided that the debate was inconclusive. There would be no reform and the Spanish could keep colonizing like they were. de las Casas was cemented in history for taking his fight to the Spanish monarchy, and was remembered as the defender of Native Americans.

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