The Doctrine of Discovery: The Roman Catholic Church as Founding Investor in America's Business Model
Unveiling the Economic and Spiritual Foundations of Colonization and Exploitation
Introduction
As we continue our Black August series, we turn our attention to the pivotal role of the church in the colonization of America. The Doctrine of Discovery laid the groundwork for the Christianization and subsequent colonization of Indigenous lands, positioning the church as a foundational member and investor in America as a business. By examining this doctrine and its lasting impact, we can better understand the systemic roots of Indigenous land rights and sovereignty issues. Importantly, we recognize that the concept of indigeneity is global—all people were once Indigenous to somewhere—and that the church's role in colonization extends far beyond the Americas.
Doctrine of Discovery: An Overview
The Doctrine of Discovery, established in the 15th century by papal bulls, provided European Christian explorers the religious justification to claim lands inhabited by non-Christians(which would be most of the globe at that time). These decrees asserted that lands not inhabited by Christians were available for discovery, claiming, and exploitation by Christian rulers.
Excerpts from the Papal Bulls:
Papal Bull Dum Diversas (1452): "We grant to you full and free power through the Apostolic authority by this edict to invade, search out, capture, vanquish, and subdue all Saracens and pagans whatsoever, and other enemies of Christ wheresoever placed, and the kingdoms, dukedoms, principalities, dominions, possessions, and all movable and immovable goods whatsoever held and possessed by them and to reduce their persons to perpetual slavery."
Papal Bull Romanus Pontifex (1455): "We bestow suitable favors and special graces on those Catholic kings and princes, who, like athletic champions, mightily advance the Christian faith...and subdue the enemies of Christ and reduce them to perpetual servitude."
Papal Bull Inter Caetera (1493): "We...give, grant, and assign to you and your heirs and successors, kings of Castile and Leon, forever, together with all their dominions, cities, camps, places, and villages, and all rights, jurisdictions, and appurtenances, all islands and mainlands found and to be found, discovered and to be discovered...to reduce the persons of said inhabitants to perpetual slavery."
The Roman Catholic Church's Role in Colonization
1. Expansion of Church Business Across Europe Before ever coming to Turtle Island, the Roman Catholic Church had already established a robust business model of colonization across Europe. The conquest and conversion of non-Christian lands in Europe set a precedent for later expansions. For example, in Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church played a significant role in the colonization efforts, which included the establishment of monastic settlements, conversion of the local population, and the appropriation of land. The same strategies used in Europe were later applied in the Americas, showcasing the church's role in expanding its economic and spiritual influence. These efforts were not just about spreading the faith but also about accumulating wealth and control over vast territories. After all, every new business venture needs investors.
Business Correlation: Market Expansion and Diversification
Explanation: Just as modern businesses expand into new markets to increase their reach and profitability, the Roman Catholic Church expanded its influence by colonizing non-Christian territories. This expansion involved establishing new "branches" (missions and settlements) to convert and control new populations, thereby increasing the church's economic and spiritual power.
2. Spiritual Justification for Land Seizure The Roman Catholic Church's endorsement of the Doctrine of Discovery gave European colonizers the moral and spiritual backing to seize lands from Indigenous peoples. This religious endorsement was crucial in legitimizing the colonization process and the subsequent economic exploitation of these lands. For instance, the Spanish Conquistadors used papal bulls as a divine mandate to conquer and convert Indigenous peoples in the Americas. The church's blessing made it possible for colonizers to claim these lands as part of their religious duty, often disregarding the sovereignty and rights of Indigenous inhabitants.
Business Correlation: Regulatory Approval and Legal Frameworks
Explanation: In business, obtaining regulatory approval and operating within legal frameworks is essential for legitimacy. The church's endorsement provided a similar role, offering a "legal" and moral framework for colonizers to operate within, thereby legitimizing their actions and facilitating the exploitation of new territories.
3. Investment in Colonization The Roman Catholic Church not only provided spiritual justification but also invested in colonization efforts. Religious orders such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans, and church-affiliated organizations funded expeditions, established missions, and played a direct role in the governance and exploitation of newly "discovered" lands. For example, the Jesuits established missions throughout South America, North America, and Asia, often becoming economic powerhouses in their own right. These missions were involved in agriculture, trade, and education, becoming integral parts of the colonial economies. This investment positioned the church as a key stakeholder in the colonization and economic exploitation of the Americas, as they had a vested interest in the success and expansion of these colonies.
Business Correlation: Venture Capital and Investment
Explanation: Like venture capitalists who fund startups and new ventures, the church invested in colonization efforts, providing the necessary resources and support for these "startups" (colonies and missions) to succeed. This investment was aimed at ensuring long-term returns in terms of wealth, resources, and influence.
4. Enslavement of Africans: A Crucial Part of the Business Model With new land conquests, the demand for labor grew, and preferably free labor was sought to maximize profits. The transatlantic slave trade became a fundamental part of this model, with African people forcibly taken to work on plantations and other enterprises in the Americas. European countries such as Portugal, Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands were heavily involved in the slave trade, transporting millions of Africans to lands including Brazil, the Caribbean islands, and North America. This system not only provided the necessary labor force but also generated immense profits for European investors and the church.
Business Correlation: Labor Supply and Workforce Management
Explanation: In business, securing a reliable and cost-effective labor supply is crucial for maintaining operations and maximizing profits. The enslavement of Africans provided a free and perpetual labor force, akin to securing the cheapest possible workforce to drive economic growth and profitability.
5. Christianization and Cultural Erasure The Roman Catholic Church's role extended beyond land seizure to the forced conversion and assimilation of Indigenous peoples. Missions and boarding schools aimed to eradicate Indigenous spiritual practices, languages, and cultures, replacing them with Christian beliefs and Western norms. This cultural erasure was seen as necessary for the economic and spiritual "development" of the new colonies. In North America, for example, the establishment of the Indian Residential Schools by various Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant, was a deliberate attempt to "civilize" Indigenous children by removing them from their cultural contexts and indoctrinating them with Christian values. The devastating impact of these institutions on Indigenous cultures and communities is still felt today, as these policies sought to dismantle Indigenous identities and replace them with European-Christian norms.
Business Correlation: Cultural Assimilation and Brand Standardization
Explanation: In business, cultural assimilation and standardization ensure consistency and control across different markets. The church's efforts to Christianize and culturally erase Indigenous identities were similar to a business standardizing its brand across various locations to maintain control and uniformity.
Christianity's Growth from the 1400s to Today in Business Terms:
Market Expansion and Growth
1400s: In the 1400s, Christianity had a significant presence in Europe and parts of the Middle East and Africa. The "market" was relatively limited to these regions.
Market Size (Global Population): 350-450 million
Christian Market Share: 20-25%
Number of "Customers" (Christians): 70-112.5 million
Today: Today, Christianity has expanded globally, penetrating new "markets" in the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia.
Market Size (Global Population): 7.9 billion
Christian Market Share: 31%
Number of "Customers" (Christians): 2.45 billion
Business Correlation:
Market Penetration and Expansion: The growth of Christianity from 70-112.5 million followers in the 1400s to 2.45 billion today reflects successful global market penetration and expansion.
Customer Base Growth: The substantial increase in the number of Christians over the centuries is akin to a business exponentially growing its customer base.
Global Influence and Branding: Christianity’s widespread adoption and integration into various cultures parallel a business establishing a strong global brand presence and influence.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships: The church’s historical investments in missions and colonial ventures can be compared to venture capital funding, which ensured long-term returns and growth.
Competitive Advantage and Differentiation: The unique position of Christianity as a dominant global religion illustrates a competitive advantage maintained through strategic differentiation and value propositions.
The Human Impact of a Business-Modeled Colonization
The transformation of colonization into a business model had devastating and lasting impacts on people worldwide. Viewing it through a compassionate and trauma-informed lens reveals how this "business" profoundly affected the lives of Indigenous peoples globally, Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, enslaved Africans, and poor immigrant whites, drawing parallels to a modern pyramid scheme.
1. Dispossession and Displacement
Indigenous of Turtle Island:
The seizure of land under the Doctrine of Discovery led to the displacement of millions of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral homes. Communities were torn apart, cultural practices disrupted, and spiritual connections to the land severed. Forced relocations and broken treaties confined Indigenous peoples to reservations, often on marginal lands, resulting in significant loss of life, identity, and heritage.
Enslaved Africans:
The transatlantic slave trade forcibly removed Africans from their homelands, treating them as merchandise to be dispersed across foreign lands. Subjected to brutal conditions on plantations, families were torn apart, and cultural identities were suppressed or lost. Africans were shipped primarily to the Americas, including Brazil, the Caribbean, and North America, where they were dehumanized and exploited for labor, leading to a profound legacy of trauma and systemic inequality.
Indigenous Peoples of Ireland:
The colonization of Ireland by English forces led to the displacement and dispossession of Irish people from their lands. Policies such as the Plantations of Ireland saw land confiscated from native Irish landowners and given to English and Scottish settlers. This fragmentation of communities and suppression of Gaelic culture and language caused severe economic hardship. The Great Famine (forced starvation) further exacerbated these issues, leading to mass emigration and loss of life, deeply scarring the cultural and social fabric of Ireland.
2. Dehumanization and Exploitation
Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Turtle Island:
Indigenous populations were seen as obstacles to be removed or assimilated into the colonial framework. Policies like forced assimilation in boarding schools aimed to erase Indigenous identities and cultures, causing generational trauma. The relentless process of Christianization and cultural erasure stripped away languages, traditions, and spiritual practices, leaving lasting scars on Indigenous communities.
Enslaved Africans:
Africans were dehumanized, treated as property, and subjected to forced labor. The legacy of slavery has left deep scars, contributing to systemic racism and socio-economic disparities that persist today. Enslaved Africans were not seen as human beings but as parts of a business to be exploited for maximum profit. This dehumanization extended to breeding practices to increase the labor force, treating human reproduction as a means of expanding assets.
Poor Immigrant Whites (often Irish):
Many poor whites were manipulated into supporting the hierarchical structures that oppressed them. They were often used as tools to maintain control over enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples, keeping the lower tiers of the pyramid divided and distracted from uniting against the true sources of their oppression. This exploitation created cycles of poverty and limited opportunity, perpetuating a false sense of racial superiority.
3. Intergenerational Trauma
Indigenous Peoples Globally and of Turtle Island:
The cultural erasure and forced assimilation policies created cycles of trauma that continue to affect Indigenous communities. Loss of language, traditions, and lands have had lasting psychological and social impacts. Higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and socio-economic challenges within Indigenous populations are direct consequences of these policies, representing a painful legacy that spans generations. (reminder that Indigenous is a global term)
Enslaved Africans:
The trauma of enslavement and ongoing systemic oppression has had profound effects on African descendants of Chattel Slavery. Issues such as racial discrimination, economic inequality, and mental health challenges are part of this enduring legacy. The systematic dehumanization and exploitation have created deep-rooted societal inequities that African descendants continue to battle against, highlighting the need for sustained efforts toward justice and equity.
Poor Immigrant Whites:
While often positioned above Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the racial hierarchy, poor whites also suffered under a system that exploited their labor and kept them in poverty. The false promise of racial superiority was used to distract them from the true sources of their economic and social disenfranchisement, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity. This manipulation has caused lasting trauma and economic instability, affecting their descendants and perpetuating the myth of the American Dream.
Business Model Parallels
Colonization and the exploitation of Indigenous lands and peoples, along with the enslavement of Africans and the manipulation of poor immigrant whites, can be directly compared to several business practices. By viewing these historical atrocities through a business lens, we can better understand how deeply embedded these strategies were in creating and sustaining economic gain for colonial powers.
Dispossession as Asset Seizure
Business Correlation: Hostile Takeovers
In business terms, the seizure of Indigenous lands and the displacement of peoples can be compared to a hostile takeover, where assets are stripped from one entity to benefit another. Just as a corporation might acquire another company to access its resources and market share, colonizers appropriated vast tracts of land from Indigenous peoples. The Doctrine of Discovery provided the legal and moral justification for this, enabling colonial powers to systematically displace Indigenous communities. This process was akin to liquidating acquired assets to maximize control and profit, leaving the original "owners" (Indigenous peoples) without their primary source of livelihood and cultural identity.
Example: Forced Relocation and Reservations
The forced relocation of Indigenous peoples to reservations mirrors the process of acquiring and reallocating assets in a business takeover. These reservations were often located on undesirable land, limiting the economic opportunities and growth of Indigenous communities. This strategic confinement ensured that colonizers could exploit the more fertile and resource-rich lands, maximizing their own economic benefits while minimizing the potential for resistance or competition from Indigenous populations.
Exploitation as Workforce Management
Business Correlation: Human Resource Exploitation
The enslavement of Africans and the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples were strategies to manage and exploit human resources for economic gain. Just as a corporation might impose its culture and practices on a newly acquired company, colonizers imposed their systems on enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples to ensure conformity and control. Enslaved Africans were treated as expendable labor, their productivity directly tied to the profit margins of plantations and other colonial enterprises. Indigenous peoples, on the other hand, were subjected to policies aimed at erasing their cultural identities, much like how a corporation might streamline and standardize operations across different branches.
Example: Forced Breeding and Labor Exploitation
Enslaved Africans were subjected to forced breeding practices to increase the labor force, treating human reproduction as a means of expanding assets. This ensured a continuous supply of laborers without additional acquisition costs, maximizing the profitability of slaveholders. Similarly, Indigenous children were taken to boarding schools where they were stripped of their cultural identities and trained to adopt European norms, effectively reshaping them to fit the labor needs and cultural expectations of the colonial economy.
3. Intergenerational Trauma as Long-term Liabilities
Business Correlation: Long-term Liabilities and Ethical Standing
The lasting impacts of colonization and slavery can be seen as long-term liabilities in a business context. Just as unresolved debts or legal issues can affect the long-term viability and ethical standing of a business, the generational trauma, loss of cultural heritage, and systemic inequalities resulting from these historical practices continue to burden society. These enduring costs are not easily rectified and require significant resources and efforts to address, similar to how a company must manage and mitigate its long-term liabilities to maintain stability and ethical integrity.
Example: Systemic Inequities and Generational Trauma
The trauma inflicted on Indigenous and African communities has created deep-rooted societal inequities that persist across generations. Higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and socio-economic challenges are direct consequences of the cultural erasure, forced assimilation, and dehumanization experienced by these groups. These ongoing impacts represent unresolved debts that society continues to bear, much like the financial and reputational liabilities a business must manage over time.
4. Manipulation of Poor Immigrant Whites
Business Correlation: Employee Segmentation and Manipulation
Poor immigrant whites, often from Ireland and Scotland, were manipulated into supporting the hierarchical structures that oppressed them, similar to how businesses might segment and manipulate their workforce to maintain control. By granting them marginal privileges and a sense of superiority over enslaved Africans and Indigenous peoples, colonizers ensured these groups would support the existing power structures rather than unite against them. This practice parallels how corporations might use employee segmentation and differential treatment to prevent labor unity and maintain a compliant workforce.
Example: False Promises and Labor Exploitation
Poor whites were promised the benefits of racial superiority, distracting them from the true sources of their economic and social disenfranchisement. They were used to enforce control over other marginalized groups, ensuring the stability and profitability of the colonial enterprise. This is akin to businesses offering superficial incentives to certain employee groups to prevent them from challenging unfair labor practices and systemic exploitation.
Pyramid Scheme Parallels
Colonization and the associated exploitation functioned much like a pyramid scheme, where the wealth and benefits accumulated at the top, while the vast majority suffered at the bottom.
Top Beneficiaries (Colonial Powers and Church): Like the top-tier participants in a pyramid scheme, European colonial powers and the Roman Catholic Church reaped immense benefits from land and resource acquisition, forced labor, and cultural domination.
Middle Tier (Colonial Settlers): European settlers, akin to mid-level participants, gained land and opportunities at the expense of Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans, perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
Bottom Tier (Indigenous Peoples, Enslaved Africans, and Poor Immigrant Whites): The vast majority, represented by Indigenous peoples, enslaved Africans, and poor immigrant whites, faced dispossession, dehumanization, and exploitation, bearing the brunt of the colonial "business model." Poor immigrant whites were often manipulated or opted into supporting the system that oppressed them by being given a false sense of superiority over non-white-skinned people.
Conclusion
As we continue to deconstruct the American business model through the lens of Black Liberation, it becomes evident how deeply embedded colonization and exploitation are in the foundations of this nation. The Doctrine of Discovery, sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church, provided the moral and legal framework for the seizure of Indigenous lands and the enslavement of Africans, creating a business model that prioritized profit over human dignity and cultural integrity. This model has had profound and lasting impacts on Indigenous peoples globally, enslaved Africans, and even poor immigrant whites, manifesting in generational trauma and systemic inequalities that persist today.
Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for recognizing the parallels between past and present economic practices. Just as businesses today must manage their assets, liabilities, and workforce to maximize profit, colonizers managed lands, resources, and people to ensure their economic dominance. This process not only exploited and dehumanized countless individuals but also entrenched a hierarchical system that continues to shape societal structures.
As we reflect on these histories, we must also consider the ethical imperative of acknowledging and addressing the lasting impacts of these practices. Reparations, land rights, and the redistribution of wealth and power are essential steps toward justice and equity. By examining these issues through a compassionate and trauma-informed lens, we can begin to dismantle the pyramid scheme of colonization and envision a future where all people can thrive with dignity and respect.
Stay tuned for more in our "Deconstructing the American Business Model" series, where we will continue to explore these themes and their implications for building a more equitable society.
Reflective Questions:
How has the Doctrine of Discovery influenced modern legal and political systems regarding Indigenous land rights?
In what ways can we support the reclamation of Indigenous cultures and spiritual practices?
What steps can be taken to address the historical and ongoing injustices rooted in the church's role in colonization and enslavement?
Call to Action
During this Black August series, we strive to support Black and Indigenous businesses and ensure equity in education. To continue this important work, we aim to reach 1000 paid subscribers at $8 a month (We are up from 65 to 72!!!). With your support, we can reach our goal and make a significant impact. By becoming a paid subscriber of the Liberation Education newsletter, you help create equity and sustain our efforts to educate and advocate for justice.
In solidarity and empowerment,