Definition: Spanish Dominican priest Bartolomé de las Casas was one of the early Spanish visitors to the New World, arriving in Santo Domingo in 1502. He witnessed what was essentially the genocide of the original people of Cuba, and became a vocal opponent to the violent conversion of the Native Americans (although not the conversion part). He is considered the Father of Liberation Theology, mostly for his role in the Vallodid Debates, arguing with Juan Gines de Sepulveda. De las Casas argued that Native Americans should be treated as other Spanish subjects of the king; Sepulveda argued that Native Americans were 'natural slaves'. While de las Casas is revered today, he should be remembered as a man of his time--he suggested that instead of making the Native Americans slaves, the Spanish should ship Africans to the New World for use as slave labor.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
