Bartolomé de las Casas

著者について

Bartolomé de las Casas was a Spanish Dominican friar, historian, and missionary who became known as a fierce advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas. Born in Seville in 1484, he initially participated in the colonization of the New World, where he was granted land and forced labor from the indigenous population. However, he underwent a profound transformation, renouncing his privileges and dedicating his life to defending the rights of the native populations against Spanish colonial abuses.

His most notable works, including "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies," vividly documented the brutal treatment of indigenous peoples by Spanish colonizers and called for reform. De las Casas's passionate writings and advocacy brought attention to the moral injustices of colonialism, leading to debates in Spain about the treatment of indigenous peoples. His efforts contributed significantly to the early discourse on human rights and the ethical responsibilities of colonizers, making him a pivotal figure in the history of human rights advocacy.