The Requirement

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Instructions to Conquistadors: The Requirement, 1517

Introduction

The Council of Castile provide, The Requirement in 1510 as an ultimatum to the American Indians. Roman Catholic pope had to exercise its religious authority over the entire earth along with the political power of Spain over America. The underlying demand was the acceptance of Spanish rule and Christian preaching, death, enslavement and risk subjugation. In the absence of interpreters, the requirement was read in Latin to the Indians. The primary purpose was self-justification for the invaders from Spanish.

Discussion

How did the Spanish justify their actions?

Three important arguments provide for the justification of subjugation of the native inhabitants were the conquest, discovery and papal donation. Spanish crown’s lawyers noted that Jesus Christ had given the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Turner, 30). Under the doctrine of discovery during the crusades they have the right to take over all the newly discovered lands. Those who resisted against the conquests were considered as harbor evil intentions and defying the plan of God.

What did the Spanish demand of the Indians?

The demand for Spanish from the Indians was the right to those lands which were held by Indians. Spanish claimed that they were sent by God on the earth to rule over the world. With the same doctrine, they have the right to overthrow Indians from their native lands, and they have to leave their rights in the submission of papal authority.

What did the Spanish offer the Indians in this deal?

Various offers were given to the Indians by Spanish invaders, and these include the free trade and movement from American to European regions. Indians were declared as free vassals which implies that they were welcome and paid for their labor. Further, the respect and honor of Native Indians were considered in war zone regions. A series of laws were passed for protecting Indians from excessive exploitation and punishment.

What would happen if the Indians refused the deal?

There would be a surprise attack and severe exploitation of Indians if they refused the deal. All were prepared, and papal authority was in action to eliminate the resistance that can create hurdles for the fulfillment of divine commandments. There would be nothing left for Indians except the corn-grinding bowls, clothes, and deerskin. Native Indians have no preparation for war, so they have to accept the terms and conditions of the deal. The state policy of enslavement is an example for Indians who resisted peaceful negotiations.

Do you think the Indians understood the terms of the deal?

The Indians understood the deal despite the circumstances of the uprising and they preferred to negotiate with Spanish masters. They have to live in better terms and to face hunger and starvation. Some regions and sections of Indians have resisted them, and they were enslaved for not following the commandments as it was embodied in the medieval doctrine of Just Wars (Turner, 34). The Indians tribal leader Powhattan considered newcomers as a power of the land because they have arms like knives and guns. The leader also tried to consolidate his power in the region and looking for more advantage.

Conclusion

The requirement was the instructions to Conquistadors for expanding the papal authority and divine control over the newly discovered lands of Native Americans. The deal among Spanish and Indians was aim to achieve legal control over their area without the use of force or through the conquest.

Works Cited

Turner, S. P. (2016). The Bergantín, a Little Known Craft from the Early Spanish Period in the New World. In The Archaeology of Vernacular Watercraft (pp. 29-51). Springer, New York, NY.