Las Casas and the Spanish Treatment of the American Natives

"[The Spaniards] took babies from their mothers' breasts, grabbing them by the feet and smashing their heads against rocks. ... They built a long gibbet, low enough for the toes to touch the ground and prevent strangling, and hanged thirteen [natives] at a time in honor of Christ Our Savior and the twelve Apostles. ...Then, straw was wrapped around their torn bodies and they were burned alive."

In what ways did this account help to create the image of teh Spaniards as "cruel and murderous fanatics?" What motives may have prompted Las Casas to make this critique and how might his opinions affect the broader standing of Spain in global politics of the era? Did his criticisms of early Spanish rule have any impact? If so, what? (p. 390)

"A Reformation Debate: The Marburg Colloquy"

What is the issue being debated by Luther and Zwigli? What would have been the Catholic Church's position if Catholic representatives had been included in the debate? Based on this example, why do you think the Reformation debates led to further hostility rather than the compromise and unity between relitious and sectarian opponents? (page 359)