Topic > A Comparative Analysis of the Spanish Conquistadors and the French Explorers

Comparison of RelationshipsWhen comparing the relationships between the native populations of the "New World" and the French explorers and the Spanish Conquistadors, one need look no further than historical accounts dating back to the period of time. In short, the relationship between the “native peoples of the New World” and the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors was brutal, inhumane, and nothing short of genocidal. Some examples of these cruelties were highlighted in "Hernando Pizarro's Letter to the Royal Audience of Santo Domingo" where Pizarro's letter reveals that his men opened fire on unsuspecting and unarmed Inca natives. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay As highlighted in the letter, "the captain of the artillery who when a signal was given, was to unload the pieces and all the troops to come forward at once......Once this was done, all were defeated without danger to any Christian" ( the action was nothing more than a public execution/Genocide of the Inca Empire). . Cuzco. Furthermore, historical documents tell us that the Spanish murdered Atahualpa paving the way for the Spanish Colonization in South America. The French explorers on the other hand were not conquerors like the Spanish, but were instead a very peaceful people who only sought to " learn" and "explore" the rich culture and vast lands that the interior of North America was to explore. Due to their tranquility they were welcomed by the natives, as highlighted in a letter from Jacques Cartier to the French king, Cartier reveals that upon arrival , “A large number of villages have given us a warm welcome and that the women/girls of. the villages were quite intrigued by their presences touching their faces and upper bodies and thus giving permission to touch/hold their babies" (Cartier, J. (nd). Jacques Cartier to the King of France, on his second voyage to the St. Lawrence River and interior of Canada [Letter to the French king]. Discussion The fundamental difference between the Spanish conquerors and the French explorers came with the intent of seeking and plundering the New World of Precious Metals (Gold and Silver). However, when the Spanish did not find a significant supply of either metal, they began to turn their attention to converting the natives to Christianity (religious crusade). Keep in mind: this is just one example . Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay The French explorers, however, had no agenda regarding hoarding gold and silver, but were only interested in exploring, learning about the cultures and terrain of the people. French explorers were interested in fur trading with the native Indians and exported many goods from North America. However, French exploration fell on the shoulders of a much smaller group of men, explorers because there was much less involvement from the French government than the Spanish government (which often financed all expeditions to the “New World”).”.