Who wrote "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies," highlighting the mistreatment of natives?

The correct answer is Bartolome de las Casas, who wrote "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies." This work, published in 1552, is significant because it serves as one of the earliest and most important critiques of Spanish colonial practices and the brutal treatment of Indigenous peoples in the Americas. De las Casas, originally a conquistador, experienced a transformation that led him to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, arguing against the violence and exploitation they suffered under Spanish rule.

His account provided a detailed denunciation of the atrocities committed by the Spanish colonizers, aiming to raise awareness and compassion among Europeans. This writing played a crucial role in shifting public opinion regarding colonial policies and contributed to the eventual reforms concerning the treatment of Indigenous populations in Spanish territories.