Introduction
The colonization of the indigenous peoples of America by the British and Spaniards had a tremendous impact not only on political, social and economic aspects but also on education. For the most part, this contribution was highly negative, and in a reasonably short time, the invasion of foreigners completely transformed the lives of the indigenous population. Decentralization and many laws played a unique role, which completely suppressed the indigenous culture and reduced its importance in the educational process of the population. The colonization contributed to significant changes in the education system, negatively impacting the life of the indigenous population, as shown in numerous studies, providing quality information about the missionaries, boarding schools and reduction of superstitions in the process of studying.
The British and Spanish Colonization of the Indigenous of America
During the years of the invasion by the British and Spaniards of the Native American peoples, there were many revolutionary sentiments and battles that greatly shocked both sides. Research states that “education was both a target and tool of colonialism, destroying and diminishing the validity and legitimacy of Indigenous education” (Pihama and Lee-Morgan 19). This aspect greatly influenced the educational system, which had its own peculiar features. Before the arrival of foreigners on their lands, the indigenous population spoke many different languages and was characterized by a wide range of views and beliefs and ways of life. The basis of the educational process was ceremonies and the transfer of cultural traditions and superstitions.
As for the English introduction to the territory of indigenous peoples, it mostly carried an oppressive mood. At the same time, despite this action’s negative results, it also had several positive features. Hence, there have been significant changes in the education of people; that is, there has been a modernization of the system for studying information about the surrounding world. As a result of this factor, people began to believe less in predictions and the supernatural and found a more logical approach to life.
The book by Reyhner and Eder called “American Indian Education” has made an instrumental contribution to the study of the topic, as it describes the process of assimilation of European immigrants to North America. This process occurred through the school system’s transformation and how the indigenous population reacted to them. Thus, the importance of new missionaries and boarding schools, which were created to spread and strengthen the Christian religion and bring civility into society, is noted. Authors state that “the rapid erosion of traditional culture by immersing students in an all-English environment in boarding schools often led to cultural disintegration, not cultural replacement” (Reyhner and Eder 5). Attention was also paid to agricultural training for the mass use of indigenous labor. The Spanish colonization carried with it the goal of further spreading Christianity in education. Despite the fact that, like the English introduction, it had negative consequences for the indigenous population, exhausting them with work, the Spaniards considered it necessary to transform the American people.
Conclusion
Therefore, the central colonization on the part of the Spanish and English people had a remarkable impact on the education of the indigenous population of America. First of all, it limited the influence of the supernatural on people, which played a significant role in their educational system. Moreover, the Christian religion was constantly spread through missionaries and boarding schools. At the same time, it is worth emphasizing that the negative consequences still prevailed and seriously affected the general way of life of the indigenous population, destroying their cultural heritage.
Works Cited
Pihama, Leonie, and Jenny Lee-Morgan. “Colonization, Education, and Indigenous Peoples.” Handbook of Indigenous Education, 2019, 19-27.
Reyhner, Jon and Jeanne Eder. American Indian Education. The University of Oklahoma Press, 2017.