Who authored "Just Causes for War against the Indians," defending Spanish colonization?

The correct answer is Juan de Sepulveda, who authored "Just Causes for War against the Indians." In this work, he articulated arguments in favor of the Spanish conquests and justified the treatment of indigenous peoples based on a belief in the superiority of Spanish civilization. Sepulveda supported the idea that through colonization, Spain was bringing civilization and religion to what he viewed as 'barbaric' societies. His writings reflect the European attitudes of the time that rationalized imperialism and highlighted the prevailing notions of cultural dominance.

In contrast, Bartolome de las Casas, whose name appears in the answer choices, took an opposing stance. He was a Spanish Dominican friar and missionary who advocated for the rights of Native Americans and argued against Sepulveda's viewpoints, calling for more humane treatment of indigenous populations. The confusion between Las Casas and Sepulveda often arises due to their significant roles in the discourse surrounding colonization and indigenous rights, yet they held fundamentally different positions.

Cervantes, primarily known for his literary contributions, particularly "Don Quixote," is not associated with arguments about colonization and indigenous peoples’ rights.

Thus, Juan de Sepulveda is recognized for his defense of Spanish imperial policy through his writings, making