Sepúlveda used Aristotle's theory of "natural slavery" to say that the indigenous were meant to be enslaved. As for his counterargument, Las Casas called on St Augustine and "international law" to say that the indigenous people didn't meet the standard set by Aristotle. Sepúlveda argued that slavery was a good conversion tool, while Las Casas disagreed. The Dominican held that gentle missionaries would be better for conversion.
Both men would later claim to win the debate, but the jury said that it was a tie. While Las Casas's influence would affect laws and legislation regarding the New World, the Spanish didn't always follow the rules. In the Americas, they often ignored laws that did not suit their goals, and better treatment of indigenous people might hurt their profits. In a way, while neither man won, the colonies would continue to be governed in accordance with Sepúlveda while the laws were affected by Las Casas.
Bartolomé de las Casas and the Black Legend
The Black Legend is a criticism of 16th century Spain regarding the treatment of the indigenous people. The critique states that the Spaniards were unnecessarily abusive and cruel. With the spreading of sickness, the encomienda system, heartless policies, and unusual punishments, the Spanish looked more sinister colonizers than ever.
Las Casas denounced Christopher Columbus, the first European to set foot in Hispaniola, because of his cruelties to the indigenous people there. He denounced conquistadors in their quest for gold, glory, and God. To Las Casas, the conquistadors were not spreading Christianity but damning their souls. Lastly, Las Casas condemned the encomienda system and the slavery of indigenous and African people.
Fig 5: Casas engraving of Spaniards and indigenous people
The twelve years that Casas spent in Hispaniola taught him of the cruelties of the Spanish. He wrote them down and told them to the Catholic church back in Spain. His book A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies was popular amongst those who perpetuated the Black Legend.
He related the Spaniards cutting open the bellies of innocent indigenous people just because they could and even worse acts of savagery. The Spaniards thought they were less than human–and non-Christian lesser souls–to them, murdering these innocent people meant nothing, not even a sin, because they weren't baptized. Las Casas would never forget the images of those who were murdered in front of him. For this, his testimony is now a valuable piece of historiography.
Bartolomé de las Casas' Main Focus
Bartolomé de las Casas was the "Protector of the Indians" and one of the first human rights activists. When he died in 1566, he said that his only regret was that he could not do more for the indigenous. The friar dedicated his entire life to advocating for the indigenous people.
While he is often overshadowed by the brutality of Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and other explorers, Las Casas tried to have indigenous people recognized as having the same rights as Spanish citizens. He influenced the end of the encomienda system and helped create many laws to protect indigenous people.
Bartolomé de las Casas - Key takeaways
- Las Casas was an advisor to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V on indigenous issues.
- He denounced the encomienda system and tried to end it.
- He influenced laws to protect indigenous people.
- He debated Sepúlveda at Vallodid.
- He is considered the "Protector of the Indians."
Explanations 
Exams 
Magazine 
