A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies Study Guide

A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies was written with the intention of informing the King of Spain of the murder and gold hoarding that was taking place in the New World. The purpose of the expeditions was primarily to convert the native people to Christianity and save them from eternal damnation. However, the Spaniards that were sent did not abide by the rules they were given and killed millions of people for their gold. Only a small percentage of the gold they took was given to the Spanish purse. Christian missionaries such as De Las Casas were also present and did their best to try to bring justice to the lands. (read more)