Chapter 1

The Europeans' thirst and longing for riches since before the New World was what led them to the discovery of the Americas and eventually the exploitation of the natives. Firstly, Europeans began to explore after Marco Polo returned from China with reports of its riches. After setting foot on Africa, they began to explore further; in 1498 Vasco da Gama made his way to India and came back with spices that appealed to Europeans. Secondly, upon the discovery of the New World was the discovery of the so-called "Indians," whom they noted weak and vulnerable (and later were seen as harvestable souls). The Europeans also noted the wonderful new variety of plants the New World had. And lastly, they finially came to the conclusion that much could be taken from the natives; such as silver and gold. All these were motivations to the Europeans to conquer the natives and exploit their labor. The cause of the exploitation of labor of the natives laid in the greed of the Europeans since Marco Polo reported riches of China, which of course then set into effect a chain of events leading up to the downfall of the natives.