Spanish friars and what did they convince the Native Americans to do
Spanish friars were Catholic priests who came to the Americas as part of the Spanish colonization efforts during the 15th and 16th centuries. Their primary objective was to convert the Native Americans to Christianity and assimilate them into the Spanish culture.
The friars attempted to convince the Native Americans to abandon their traditional religious beliefs and traditions in favor of Christianity. They introduced them to Catholic teachings and rituals, baptized them, and built churches and monasteries in their communities.
The friars also aimed to impose Spanish laws and regulations on the Native Americans and incorporate them into the Spanish economic system, mainly by encouraging them to work in the encomienda system. This system involved Native Americans working on Spanish-owned lands in exchange for protection and religious instruction but often led to exploitation and abuse.
Overall, the Spanish friars played a significant role in the colonization process by persuading Native Americans to accept Christianity, adhere to Spanish cultural practices, and contribute to the Spanish colonization efforts.