A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : The Spanish Labor System Oregon State University Bartoleme de Las Casas, Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies Swarthmore College Provides a brief introduction to Bartoleme de las Casas as an advocate of fair treatment of the native populations typically conquered during Spanish expansion, as well as a timeline of his life. Bartoleme de las Casa's Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies describes the brutal treatment and depopulation of Caribbean natives by Spanish conquerors. Have students discuss how they would survive in a new world. Then, read the accounts. Ask students to compare the difficulties of blacks, whites, Indians. Then, read the accounts. Ask students if they lived in the eighteenth century, what they would do if they disagreed with slave labor. Then, read the accounts. Discuss bias with students and its possible impact. Then, read the biography. In a journal, students can reflect on how Las Casas' ideas are seen in the nation today. This could be the basis of a larger assignment. Debate slavery as an economic inevitability. Divide students into two sides and give them time to consult the documents to support or refute the statement. Ask students to illustrate the environment and peoples depicted. How would accounts differ from the point of view of an explorer compared to that of Europeans who had no contact with the New World? Write a diary of an Indian. What would he or she say? What would his or her concerns be?

The Spanish Labor System
Oregon State University: Department of Philosophy

Bartoleme de Las Casas, Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies
Swarthmore College: Department of History

Description: Provides a brief introduction to Bartoleme de las Casas as an advocate of fair treatment of the native populations typically conquered during Spanish expansion, as well as a timeline of his life.

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestions

Have students discuss how they would survive in a new world. Then, read the accounts.
Ask students to compare the difficulties of blacks, whites, Indians. Then, read the accounts.
Ask students if they lived in the eighteenth century, what they would do if they disagreed with slave labor. Then, read the accounts.
Discuss bias with students and its possible impact. Then, read the biography.

Suggestions for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

In a journal, students can reflect on how Las Casas' ideas are seen in the nation today. This could be the basis of a larger assignment.
Debate slavery as an economic inevitability. Divide students into two sides and give them time to consult the documents to support or refute the statement.
Ask students to illustrate the environment and peoples depicted. How would accounts differ from the point of view of an explorer compared to that of Europeans who had no contact with the New World?
Write a diary of an Indian. What would he or she say? What would his or her concerns be?