Spain, Portugal and the Catholic Conquest of the Americas

This chapter focuses on the actions and ideologies of the Catholic Church and the Catholic kingdoms of Portugal and Spain with relation to conquest, imperialism and slavery in Africa and in the Americas. The first half of the chapter examines Portugal&s;s increasing involvement in trade, including the slave trade, in Africa. It also examines the shifting theology and policy of the Catholic Church concerning European and particularly Iberian imperialism and slave-trading, as expressed in various papal bulls. The chapter shifts to Spanish imperialism and the impact of Columbus’ “discovery” of the Americas. It examines Spanish colonial policy and the criticisms that arose, particularly from missionaries and specifically from members of the Dominican order. Throughout these discussions, the chapter examines the impact of a few key individuals: Portugal&s;s Prince Henry the Navigator; Ferdinand and Isabella, the “Catholic Monarchs” of Spain; Christopher Columbus; and, most notably, Bartolomé de Las Casas, Protector of the Indians.