what were European attitudes toward Native Americans?
Their attitudes varied. But many Europeans believed that the Native Americans were savages and somehow less than human. Others respected the Natives and learned from them. The clergy saw souls to be saved.
i agree
European attitudes toward Native Americans varied greatly depending on the time period, specific European country, and individual perspectives. It is important to note that this answer provides a general overview, but not an exhaustive analysis of all European attitudes.
1. Early Encounters: Initially, Europeans held a mix of curiosity, fascination, and apprehension towards Native Americans. They viewed them as exotic, primitive, and "other" compared to their own cultures. Some Europeans admired Native American societies for their communal living, nature-oriented lifestyles, and perceived freedom. However, as European exploration and colonization progressed, attitudes shifted.
2. Conquest and Colonialism: European colonial powers, such as Spain, France, England, and Portugal, saw Native Americans as obstacles to their expansion and domination. This led to a shift in attitudes towards Native Americans as "savages" who were in need of conversion to Christianity and cultural assimilation. This mindset often served to justify the mistreatment, subjugation, and displacement of Native Americans.
3. Assimilation and Cultural Superiority: Many Europeans believed that their own culture and civilization were superior, leading to efforts to "civilize" or assimilate Native Americans into European ways of life. This often involved forced conversion to Christianity, attempts to replace indigenous languages with European ones, and the imposition of European laws and customs. Europeans also frequently depicted Native Americans as "noble savages" or romanticized stereotypes in literature and art.
4. Discrimination and Exploitation: Europeans frequently exploited Native Americans for economic gain through the fur trade, land seizures, forced labor, and the extraction of resources. Native Americans were often subjected to forced labor or enslavement. These actions were motivated by both economic interests and a deep-seated sense of racial and cultural superiority.
5. Resistance and Conflict: Many Native American tribes resisted European colonization and fought to protect their lands, cultures, and sovereignty. European biases and prejudices often intensified during periods of violent conflict, leading to further negative attitudes and discriminatory policies.
It is important to remember that these attitudes are a generalization, and individual Europeans held a wide range of opinions about Native Americans. When exploring this topic in more depth, it is essential to examine the specific historical context and the perspectives of different European individuals or groups.