How did the Spanish treatment of Indigenous people improve over time? (1 point)
A. • The Spanish increased the number of missionaries in the Americas.
B. The Spanish became more convinced that they could treat the Indigenous people any way they wanted.
C. • Spanish settlers with encomiendas began to treat the Indigenous people better because they thought it was the right thing to do.
D. • The king reformed the encomienda system and the Dominicans changed how they spread Christianity in Central America.
D. • The king reformed the encomienda system and the Dominicans changed how they spread Christianity in Central America.
D. • The king reformed the encomienda system and the Dominicans changed how they spread Christianity in Central America.
To determine the correct answer, we can analyze each option and see which one provides a more accurate explanation of how the Spanish treatment of Indigenous people improved over time.
A. The option states that the Spanish increased the number of missionaries in the Americas. While it is true that missionaries played a role in the colonization of the Americas and the spreading of Christianity, this option doesn't directly address the improvement in the treatment of Indigenous people. Therefore, this option alone does not provide a comprehensive explanation of the improvement.
B. The option suggests that the Spanish became more convinced that they could treat Indigenous people in any way they wanted. This statement does not align with historical evidence. The Spanish Crown implemented several policies and reforms aimed at protecting Indigenous rights as the colonization process progressed. Therefore, this option does not accurately explain the improvement in treatment.
C. This option states that Spanish settlers with encomiendas began to treat Indigenous people better because they believed it was the right thing to do. Encomiendas were a system of land grants and forced labor assigned to Spanish settlers. While it is true that some settlers may have treated Indigenous people better due to personal beliefs, this was not a widespread or systematic improvement. Moreover, the encomienda system itself was exploitative and oppressive. Therefore, this option, while partially correct, does not provide a comprehensive explanation.
D. This option suggests that the king reformed the encomienda system, and the Dominicans changed how they spread Christianity in Central America. This option aligns with historical evidence. The Spanish Crown did introduce reforms to address the mistreatment of Indigenous people, and religious orders such as the Dominicans played a significant role in advocating for indigenous rights and challenging the encomienda system. These reforms and changes in missionary practices did contribute to some improvement in the treatment of Indigenous people.
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is Option D. The king's reforms and changes in missionary practices, particularly by the Dominicans, played a crucial role in improving the treatment of Indigenous people over time.