What was Bartolome de Las Casas primarily known for advocating?

Bartolome de Las Casas is primarily known for advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Americas during the Spanish colonization. He was a Spanish Dominican friar and historian who became one of the first advocates for social justice in the New World. Las Casas argued against the mistreatment and exploitation of Native Americans and worked towards their protection by promoting legal reforms. His activism was significant in highlighting the need for moral responsibility amongst European colonizers, contrasting their expansionist motives with the ethical treatment of Indigenous populations.

In his writings, Las Casas documented the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples and sought to persuade both the Spanish crown and the general public of the importance of recognizing the humanity and rights of these communities. His passionate arguments contributed to a shift in thought regarding colonial policies and set a foundational precedent for later civil rights movements.

This focus on advocating for the rights of marginalized groups positions him squarely in the realm of fighting for civil rights, which remains a vital aspect of his legacy.