A significant figure in the history of Spanish colonization of the Americas, this individual was a 16th-century Spanish colonist who later became a Dominican friar and historian. He is primarily remembered for his advocacy on behalf of Native Americans and his opposition to the abuses perpetrated by Spanish colonists. He documented the harsh treatment and decimation of indigenous populations in his writings, most notably “A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies.” An example of his influence is his participation in the Valladolid Debate, where he argued against Juan Gins de Seplveda regarding the morality of Spanish conquest.
His writings and actions are important because they provide crucial historical context for understanding the brutal realities of early European colonization. He directly challenged the prevailing justifications for the exploitation of indigenous peoples and contributed to the development of laws intended to protect them, even if those laws were often poorly enforced. Studying his work sheds light on the ethical debates surrounding colonization and its devastating impact on native societies.
