The United States owes apologies for the devastation of our indigenous civilizations and, yes, Spain does owe a massive apology for the barbaric devastation of what were the greatest civilizations on earth at that time. No apology could compensate for the barbarity of “CONVERT OR DIE” forced conversions, enslavement and genocide.
In Latin America and Asia, civilizations such as the Mayans, Incas, Aztecs, Cahokia, Chinese, Japanese, and Khmer Empire had far superior knowledge of math and science and astronomy than the primitive, barbaric thugs of Europe, in the throes of the anti-science, religion-dominated Dark Ages.
The earliest of the primitive, barbaric, undocumented invaders arriving from Europe would have died without the superior skills provided by the indigenous population (and the earliest settlements that lacked indigenous support did die out).
So often others have objected saying, “Well, if they were so advanced, how could handful of European soldiers conquer entire empires so easily?”
My response is to have them imagine a doctor, professor, rocket scientist and other professionals walking down a street en masse. They encounter just a few well-armed street thugs whom they greatly outnumber. Who will conquer in a street brawl? Who is more violent? Who is more advanced?
If you disagree, please discontinue all use of CHOCOLATE (cacao) and GUACAMOLE — both of which were first cultivated and developed by the Mayans. Also no more baked potatoes, French fries or even potato chips — the potato did not come from Ireland, the Irish got it from the indigenous Americans who were the first to cultivate it.
An interesting side note, there was a large amount of silver stolen from the America’s as well. Some of the Spaniards were not above cheating the folks back home. They would send ingots of silver back that had been cut with another metal that was considered worthless at the time, Platinum.
For the apology, ask the people living in those countries. After all, they’re the ones whose ancestors went there and enslaved people and took the gold, not ours.
For the gold, better ask for it to Britain and its pirates.
DD Wiz Premium Member about 5 years ago
The United States owes apologies for the devastation of our indigenous civilizations and, yes, Spain does owe a massive apology for the barbaric devastation of what were the greatest civilizations on earth at that time. No apology could compensate for the barbarity of “CONVERT OR DIE” forced conversions, enslavement and genocide.
In Latin America and Asia, civilizations such as the Mayans, Incas, Aztecs, Cahokia, Chinese, Japanese, and Khmer Empire had far superior knowledge of math and science and astronomy than the primitive, barbaric thugs of Europe, in the throes of the anti-science, religion-dominated Dark Ages.
The earliest of the primitive, barbaric, undocumented invaders arriving from Europe would have died without the superior skills provided by the indigenous population (and the earliest settlements that lacked indigenous support did die out).
So often others have objected saying, “Well, if they were so advanced, how could handful of European soldiers conquer entire empires so easily?”
My response is to have them imagine a doctor, professor, rocket scientist and other professionals walking down a street en masse. They encounter just a few well-armed street thugs whom they greatly outnumber. Who will conquer in a street brawl? Who is more violent? Who is more advanced?
If you disagree, please discontinue all use of CHOCOLATE (cacao) and GUACAMOLE — both of which were first cultivated and developed by the Mayans. Also no more baked potatoes, French fries or even potato chips — the potato did not come from Ireland, the Irish got it from the indigenous Americans who were the first to cultivate it.
Templo S.U.D. about 5 years ago
How MUCH of the Aztecs’ gold did the Spaniards loot?
rekam Premium Member about 5 years ago
Thank you, Lalo, for unleashing the above conversation.
Tempest about 5 years ago
An interesting side note, there was a large amount of silver stolen from the America’s as well. Some of the Spaniards were not above cheating the folks back home. They would send ingots of silver back that had been cut with another metal that was considered worthless at the time, Platinum.
zippykatz about 5 years ago
Good history lesson. What’s your solution, going forward?
Naldrin 8 months ago
For the apology, ask the people living in those countries. After all, they’re the ones whose ancestors went there and enslaved people and took the gold, not ours.
For the gold, better ask for it to Britain and its pirates.