LTS 3000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Encomienda
Document Summary
Those furthest away from the colonialism, the colonial governments, were actually trying to assist the native peoples against the impositions of settlers. Or were trying to mitigate the effects of the harsh treatments. Often times though, their methods were weak or inadequate. Spain and portugal had a similar mindset, in that they focused on indigenous peoples needs rather than settlers on the frontiers of settlement. There was a stark difference between colonialism that took place before the end of the 18th century and after. Portugal was a pioneer of fresh and positive attitude towards the indians in brazil. Recognized that whites were a minority and called for settlers to marry indian woman. An early example of positive discrimination was when the royal edict in may 1755 declared an end to racial prejudice against indians. And defended against the mistreatment of children and descendants of mixed-race marriages.
