According to *A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies* how did Spanish colonizers justify their actions? Select all that apply. Religious conversion Spreading civilization and law Economic necessity Military defense

Spanish colonizers often justified their actions in the Americas through the belief that they were fulfilling a divine mandate to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity. They considered it their religious duty to save souls, which they claimed legitimized their conquests and atrocities. Additionally, they argued they were bringing civilization, law, and order to what they perceived as "savage" lands, promoting cultural superiority. Economic necessity was another crutch; they believed that extracting resources and wealth was vital for the Spanish Empire’s prosperity. Lastly, they framed their military actions as necessary for self-defense against perceived threats from indigenous groups and rival powers. In the grand tapestry of history, these justifications served to mask many brutal realities of colonization, leading to widespread devastation and suffering among indigenous populations. The narratives spun around these reasons continue to be dissected and challenged, reminding us that history is not just about what happened but also about how the narratives surrounding it are crafted.