Question

why did some european countries spread stories, known as the black legend, about spanish cruelty toward native americans?
choose 1 answer:
a to frighten native americans into resisting spanish settlement and encourage them to trade with other europeans
b to discourage spain from sending more settlers, soldiers, and missionaries to the americas
c to justify their own colonization efforts in the americas and make themselves look better by comparison
d to promote alliances with spain by showing respect for its strong rule in the americas

Explanation:

• Option A: Frightening Native Americans to resist Spain and trade with others is not the main reason for spreading the Black Legend, as other Europeans' goal was more about their own colonization.
• Option B: Discouraging Spain from sending more people is not the primary motive; the focus was on justifying their own colonization.
• Option C: Other European countries (like England, France) spread the Black Legend to make Spain's actions seem worse, thus justifying their own colonization efforts in the Americas and improving their own image by comparison. This aligns with historical context.
• Option D: Spreading stories of Spanish cruelty would not promote alliances with Spain; it would likely strain relations.

Answer:

C. To justify their own colonization efforts in the Americas and make themselves look better by comparison