Valladolid debates

The Valladolid debates were two influential 16th-century discussions held in 1550-1551 between Spanish theologians Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda and Bartolomé de las Casas. They centered on the morality and justification of Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas, particularly the treatment of indigenous peoples. Sepúlveda argued that conquest was justified and justified some harsh treatment, citing natural hierarchy, while Las Casas contended that indigenous peoples were fully human, deserving respect and fair treatment. These debates highlighted the moral and ethical dilemmas of colonization and contributed to evolving views on human rights and the treatment of native populations.