The Tears of the Indians

work by Las Casas

Also known as: “Brevísima relación de la destrucción de las Indias”, “Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, A”(Show More)

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The Tears of the Indians, also known as A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, is a polemical work by Bartolomé de Las Casas. Published in 1542, it is a summary of his larger work, Historia de las Indias. Las Casas, a Spanish historian and missionary, was a fervent critic of the Spanish colonial government in the Americas and the brutal system of slavery imposed on indigenous peoples.12

In The Tears of the Indians, Las Casas details the atrocities committed by Europeans, attributing their actions to a relentless pursuit of gold and wealth. He argued that these injustices would inevitably lead to Spain facing divine punishment. The work was highly influential, prompting King Charles I to enact "New Laws" aimed at improving the treatment of indigenous serfs. Las Casas's writings exposed the oppression of native populations and advocated for their rights, making him a significant figure in the early history of human rights advocacy.12

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Bartolomé de Las Casas
The Apologética and the Destrucción
…of still another work, the Brevísima relación de la destrucción de las Indias (A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies), which he wrote in 1542 and in which the historical events described are in themselves of less importance than their theological interpretation: “The reason why the Christians have…
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…of still another work, the Brevísima relación de la destrucción de las Indias (A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies), which he wrote in 1542 and in which the historical events described are in themselves of less importance than their theological interpretation: “The reason why the Christians have…
Read More

Latin American literature
Chronicles of discovery and conquest
…destrucción de las Indias (1542; A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies). Originally a Spanish settler, Las Casas was appalled at the treatment of the Indians by the rapacious Spaniards. He became a Dominican friar, steeped himself in the law, and began to write bitter denunciations of the…
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…destrucción de las Indias (1542; A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies). Originally a Spanish settler, Las Casas was appalled at the treatment of the Indians by the rapacious Spaniards. He became a Dominican friar, steeped himself in the law, and began to write bitter denunciations of the…
Read More

Spanish literature
Historical writing
…Destruction of the Indies, or The Tears of the Indians) in 1542, criticizing Spanish colonial policy and abuse of the native population. His work helped to give rise among Spain’s enemies to the infamous Leyenda Negra (“Black Legend”).
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…Destruction of the Indies, or The Tears of the Indians) in 1542, criticizing Spanish colonial policy and abuse of the native population. His work helped to give rise among Spain’s enemies to the infamous Leyenda Negra (“Black Legend”).
Read More