Valladolid Controversy

The Valladolid Controversy (1550-1551) was a debate among scholars about the treatment and rights of Indigenous peoples in the Americas following European colonization. It centered on whether Indigenous peoples were truly human and capable of self-governance or if they needed European guidance and conversion. Key figures included Bartolomé de las Casas, who argued for their humanity and rights, and Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, who justified colonization through natural law. The controversy highlighted ethical concerns about colonialism, influencing Spanish policies and shaping ideas about human rights and justice regarding indigenous populations.