On The Action Of Catholicism In Early Colonial Expansion Of Spain

This article aims to comprehensively elaborate on the action ofCatholicism in early colonial expansion of Spain. In the100years of the16thcentury, the speed of the colonial expansion of Spain was so quick that Spainhad succeeded in capturing a considerable part of America and the southwestcorner of the Pacific. And yet, as one spiritual core of Spain, Catholicismplayed a crucial role throughout the process of the expansion. This articledivides the process into three phases such as “going overseas”,“colonialconquest” and “colonial rule” according to the space-time sequence. I attemptto review and analyze the action of Catholicism in each phase of the process.The early colonial expansion of Spain connected with the spread ofCatholicism all the time. Without the impetus and help of Catholicism, it couldnot expand so fast. Driven by the spirit of Christianity, Spain embarked on theroad of overseas expansion which the Vatican supported with all its strength.During the course of colonial conquest, not only the missionaries with a senseof mission but the belligerent adventurers were all inspired by the faith ofevangelism. They advanced wave upon wave with their serene religiousdevotion. After conqueror getting a foothold in the colony, Catholicism becamean indispensable part of the colonial political, economic, social and culturalsystem. It was able to control the natives successfully. With the strength ofreligion, Spain put down roots in colony gradually, which laid the foundationfor further expansion. We can say that Christianity penetrated the whole courseof the expansion. Without this religious power, the colonial expansion wouldnot be so successful. However, the influence of Catholicism on the expansion is so complicated that I could only expound that briefly.This article strives to expound this issue as objectively and comprehensivelyas possible. The argument considering Christianity as a tool is too simple andpartial to scientifically depict the role of Christianity in the process of colonialexpansion. It neglects the fact that Christianity has its own initiative.Furthermore, restricted by various objective and subjective conditions, it ishard to evaluate the issues of Christianity and colonialism impersonally andaccurately. This article tries to use dialectical viewpoint and method to surveyand analysis these issues. Based on this way, I expect to be able tosystematically display the true appearance of Catholicism in early colonialexpansion of Spain.