The settlement of Europeans into the Americas is one of the most remarkable events in history of mankind. The European explorers, predominantly from Spain at first, crossed the Atlantic Ocean and settled in the new large continent. The influx of the Spaniards, the colonization of the land, and the development an urban-like settlement were all positive events that laid the foundations of what is America today. There were a few factors that led to a successful colonization and expansion – one of them being the help from Native Americans. The Native Americans were of good influences on the European settlers: the former provided the latter with food and knowledge about the land and its surroundings (such as the local water).
With that said, let’s consider how the Europeans repaid their debts to the Native Americans. For starters, Native Americans came down with fatal diseases that were carried over from Europe, such as smallpox, because of their lack of immunity to the viruses and the bacteria. Because diseases like smallpox are very lethal and contagious without some form of immunity or treatment, a large number of unsuspecting Native Americans were quickly decimated. Europeans also imposed their Christian beliefs heavily upon the Native Americans. This so-called “conversion” was more forceful than persuasive. Because Native Americans knew that they would not stand a chance in a fight against Europeans due to the latter’s advanced weaponry, submission was a smarter move rather than rejecting the conversion, which would create bad relations. As the saying concerning religion goes, it’s okay to have one and practice it, it’s okay to tell people that you have one, but it’s not okay to shove it down other people’s throats. The Native Americans were forbidden to practice their religious rituals within the nation until American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 was passed. More than 300 years of their religious tradition were stepped and spit on, all because of the exclusivist beliefs of the colonists.
Again, the settlement and colonization of the Europeans were not bad moves at all. Rather, negotiating and compromising with the Native Americans would have been a much more favorable approach over the “command and conquer” approach. Although the affirmative action was enacted in order to compensate for the damages done, it does not fully justify all of the extortion that took place.