week 9: the margins of power Flashcards
(17 cards)
What book did Francisco de Vitoria write about indigenous rights?
Relectio de Indis (1539).
What was Bartolomé de Las Casas’ major work?
A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies (1552).
What were the New Laws of the Indies (1542)?
Laws to protect indigenous peoples, influenced by Las Casas’ advocacy.
What did Bartolomé de Las Casas do?
Fought for indigenous rights, criticized Spanish abuses, pushed for peaceful evangelization.
What did Francisco de Vitoria do?
Defended indigenous sovereignty, developed early ideas of international law, limited justification for conquest.
What did Vitoria argue about indigenous people?
Indigenous peoples have natural rights and political authority under natural law.
What did Las Casas argue about indigenous people?
Indigenous peoples are rational and have full rights to land and self-rule.
What was Hobbes’ view of human nature?
Humans are selfish; need a strong sovereign to avoid chaos.
How did Las Casas view colonisation?
Violent colonisation is always unjust and sinful.
How did Vitoria view colonisation?
Conquest is only justified if rights (like peaceful preaching) are violated.
How did Hobbes view religion’s role in politics?
Religion must be controlled by the state to maintain order.
What was ius gentium (law of nations)?
Natural law allowing travel, trade, and preaching peacefully across lands.
How did Las Casas view evangelisation?
Evangelisation must be peaceful, never forced.
How did Vitoria view evangelisation?
Preaching is a right; violence allowed only if preaching is obstructed.
Legacy of Las Casas?
Early human rights advocate; strong critic of empire.
Legacy of Vitoria?
Founder of international law; key figure in defending indigenous rights.
Legacy of Hobbes?
Created theory for absolute state control to prevent conflict.
