B2 – Upper Intermediate
King Felipe VI recently made a rare acknowledgment of abuses committed during Spain’s colonial era, particularly in the Americas. Speaking at an event in Madrid, he noted that although laws at the time were meant to protect Indigenous populations, in practice there was significant mistreatment, including violence, forced labor, and land dispossession.
While he stopped short of issuing a formal apology, the king emphasized the importance of studying history honestly and recognizing that such actions would not align with modern values. His remarks come amid ongoing calls from countries like Mexico for Spain to apologize for colonial-era abuses, making his statement a notable, if cautious, step toward acknowledging that past.
Read the article and learn more.
https://thediplomaticinsight.com/spains-king-felipe-vi-acknowledges-colonial-era-abuses
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “snub ” mean? “Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the snub as ‘unacceptable.’” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “strained” mean? “Relations between Spain and Mexico have occasionally been strained over the legacy of Spanish colonial rule.’’ Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “expropriation” mean? “During this period, colonial authorities engaged in forced labour, land expropriation, and acts of violence against Indigenous peoples.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you seen this speech by the King of Spain? What are your thoughts or opinions on it?
- How should modern countries deal with the negative legacies of their colonial pasts, especially in relation to nations like Mexico?
- What is the importance of studying history “within its context” versus judging it by modern-day values?
- Why do you think colonial history continues to affect relationships between countries today?