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Rethinking
the Spanish “Black Legend” and the
Controversial Historical Image of Columbus
The “Black Legend” or dark view related to the early Spanish conquest had a seemingly valid historical basis for appearing on the scene because of the senseless and brutal acts of some of the early Spanish conquistadors. However, in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century the Spanish “Black Legend” died out when it became apparent that the indigenous natives in Spanish colonies fared as well or better from a humanitarian and legal rights standpoint as those in many of the other European colonies. During this time, Columbus was viewed as a devout Christian and the high motives in his discovery and colonization efforts were never questioned. This view changed radically in the late twentieth century when American historians, as well as philosophical, humanist, and moralist writers, turned their attention to an examination of the treatment of indigenous natives of the New World by their European conquerors. The changed view has revived the Spanish “Black Legend” with Columbus pictured as the leading cause of the mistreatment of the indigenous natives of the New World. This study examines the documentary evidence on the subject to determine which view is historically correct.
This material from the Early Seafaring Exploration Series, published by the New World Explorers, Inc., is copyright protected. Reproduction and distribution is permitted for non-profit education use. Reproduction and use of the illustrations in other writings should be obtained from the publisher.
Vol. 2, #1 - Early Seafaring Exploration Series ..............................................Copyright 2001
Eleven pages, three illustrations, footnotes .................................................Douglas T. PeckFor a downloadable copy of this and other articles go to our