The Imperial Impact

Abstract

The cumulative European invasion of the Americas in the fifteenth century and after was one of the key shaping factors of the modern world. But the early European explorers did not encounter a waste, an empty desolation: the lands in this part of the world already supported peoples, cultures and in some cases high civilisations. It was the misfortune of these peoples that they were destined to clash with foreign adventurers equipped with a superior military technology, an implacably racist ideology, and a merciless religious absolutism.

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me!

Luke 19, 27

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: 1 came not to send peace but a sword

Matthew 10, 34

When Columbus arrived here with his church — the Catholic Church — he came bearing the sword and the cross. With the sword, he sanctified the right to conquer; with the cross, he blessed that right

Fidel Castro¹