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Secondary sourceBook1902

The Life of Bartolomé de Las Casas and Early American Church History

Louis Anthony Dutto · 1902

A 1902 biography situating Las Casas within the early history of the Church in the Americas.

A biography that places Las Casas within the broader story of early Church efforts against indigenous slavery.

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About this source

What it is

This 1902 book by Louis Anthony Dutto presents the life of Bartolomé de las Casas alongside the early history of the Christian church in the Americas. It draws on events such as the arrival of Dominican friars in Spain and their efforts regarding indigenous slavery.

Why it matters

This biography places Las Casas among other early defenders of indigenous peoples, such as the Dominican friar Montesino, who struggled against colonial officials to be heard at the royal court. It shows how Las Casas's reform efforts fit into a broader religious movement challenging the treatment of Native peoples under Spanish rule.

Look closer

  • Why might the author connect Las Casas's story to the broader history of the Church in America?
  • What does the description of Montesino being denied an audience suggest about the obstacles reformers faced?
  • How might a religious historian's perspective shape the way this story is told?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Bartolomé de las Casas on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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