Leveled Readings / Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda: Democrates Alter, on the Just Causes of War Against the Indians (c. 1544)
Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda: Democrates Alter, on the Just Causes of War Against the Indians (c. 1544)
Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda, Democrates Alter (c. 1544)
These are adaptations, not the original. The original wording is always shown first. Each adapted version restates the same passage at about a grade 4, grade 7, or grade 10 reading level without adding or removing ideas. Quote the original in student writing.
Original wording
“If they reject such rule, then it can be imposed upon them by means of arms, and such a war will be just according to the laws of nature.”
Adapted · about grade 4
Sepúlveda said that if the native peoples refused Spanish rule, Spain could force it on them with weapons. He said that kind of war would be fair.
Adapted · about grade 7
If they refuse such rule, Sepúlveda argued, it can be forced on them by arms, and such a war would be just under the laws of nature.
Adapted · about grade 10
If they reject such rule, then it may be imposed upon them by force of arms, and such a war will be just according to the laws of nature.
Used in: Why did people explore, and what did their voyages bring?