Description:
(The First Resident Bishop of ‘Chiapas’, and the First Officially Appointed "Protector of the Indians")
Bartolomé de las Casas was a Spanish historian and colonist, also known as a Dominican friar. He was also one of the first Europeans to openly condemn the atrocities committed by Europeans on the Native Indians of the Latin American lands and the West Indies. He called for the abolition of slavery in the American peninsula. He was born and raised in Seville, Spain. In 1502, he moved to the island of Hispaniola, the West Indies, with his merchant father. He was ordained a priest in 1510, becoming the first European to be ordained in the American islands. During the Spanish attack on Cuba, Bartolomé changed his mind. He gave up all his Native American slaves and advised others to do so but failed to convince them. He vowed to preach these thoughts in Spain and thus moved to Seville in 1515. In 1523, he joined the Dominican order and then wrote ‘Historia de Las Indias,’ which gave first-hand accounts of how Native Americans were being oppressed and explained why it was a sin to treat another human being that way. Although he failed in his pursuits, he is known in history as one of the first people who fought for human rights
Birthday
November 11, 0 (Scorpio)
City
Seville, Spain
Died on
July 18, 1566
Parents
Pedro de las Casas
Sabel de Sosa
Where did Bartolomé de las Casas live?
Bartolomé de las Casas lived in the Spanish colonies of the Caribbean, particularly in Hispaniola and Cuba.
What was Bartolomé de las Casas known for?
Bartolomé de las Casas was known for being a Spanish historian, social reformer, and Dominican friar who spoke out against the mistreatment of indigenous peoples by the Spanish colonizers.
What impact did Bartolomé de las Casas have on Spanish colonial policies?
Bartolomé de las Casas' writings and advocacy played a significant role in influencing Spanish colonial policies, leading to the enactment of the New Laws of 1542 aimed at protecting indigenous populations from exploitation.
Why is Bartolomé de las Casas considered a key figure in the history of human rights?
Bartolomé de las Casas is considered a key figure in the history of human rights for his advocacy on behalf of indigenous peoples and his efforts to promote social justice and equality.
How did Bartolomé de las Casas contribute to the debate on the rights of indigenous peoples?
Bartolomé de las Casas contributed to the debate on the rights of indigenous peoples by documenting and condemning the atrocities committed against them by the Spanish colonizers, leading to greater awareness and discussion on the topic.
