What perspective did the Spanish Black Legend promote regarding Spaniards' treatment of Native Americans?

The Spanish Black Legend promoted the view that Spaniards were uniquely cruel and brutal in their treatment of Native Americans. This concept emerged during the 16th century, as Protestant nations, particularly England and the Netherlands, sought to undermine Spain’s power and justify their own colonial ambitions. The Black Legend highlighted the atrocities committed by Spanish colonizers, such as violent conquests, enslavement, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples, and portrayed these actions as especially harsh compared to other European powers.

This narrative was used as a tool for propaganda, emphasizing the moral failings of the Spanish in order to cast doubt on their empire and influence. While it is important to recognize that mistreatment of Native Americans was widespread among many colonial powers, the Black Legend specifically magnified the brutality of Spanish actions, leading to a perception that they were particularly barbaric.