Elitist Mentalality Impact

In the Middle Ages, the rulers of Europe had a distinct way of thinking about power, society, and their role in the world. Kings and nobles believed they were chosen by God to lead, a concept called the "divine right of kings." The Church held great influence, and many saw spreading Christianity as a holy mission. This created a strict social order where people were expected to obey those above them without question. The rulers saw themselves as superior and responsible for guiding and controlling others.

When Europeans began exploring and colonizing new lands like North America, they carried this mindset with them. They believed they had the right to claim land, convert indigenous peoples to Christianity, and impose their laws and culture. Native Americans were often viewed as uncivilized and inferior, and this justified harsh treatment, including violence, enslavement, and displacement.

Christopher Columbus, sailing for Spain in 1492, was one of the first Europeans to reach the Americas. He encountered the Taíno people in the Caribbean, initially noting their generosity. However, Columbus and his men quickly enslaved many Taíno and forced them to mine for gold, causing great suffering and death among the native population. His actions reflected the belief that European power and wealth justified such treatment (Zinn 1–2).

Hernán Cortés invaded the Aztec Empire in the early 1500s. Pretending to be a friend at first, Cortés soon conquered the Aztecs by force, seizing their capital and riches. He destroyed much of their culture and forced survivors to accept Christianity. The conquest caused massive loss of life due to war and diseases like smallpox brought by the Europeans (Restall 4–6).

French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in Canada in the 1530s and explored the St. Lawrence River. While not as violent as the Spanish, Cartier kidnapped native leaders and claimed their land for France, assuming indigenous peoples had no legitimate ownership (Trigger 148–150).

John Smith, who helped establish the English colony at Jamestown in 1607, initially traded with the Powhatan people. However, as the settlers demanded more land and resources, conflicts arose. The English used force to expand their territory, disregarding native rights and lives (Horn 98–101).

This medieval European mentality of superiority and divine mission shaped how explorers treated Native Americans, often with cruelty and disregard. Unfortunately, similar attitudes persist in some areas of government today. For example, the U.S. government has repeatedly broken treaties with Native American tribes to allow land development for pipelines, mining, and other projects. These actions reflect the old belief that the powerful can claim land from weaker groups for their own benefit.

Additionally, harsh immigration policies, such as separating families at the border and detaining people in poor conditions, reveal a mindset that views certain groups as less deserving of dignity and care—an echo of colonial attitudes towards "outsiders" or those deemed inferior.

Government policies favoring large corporations over small communities, especially when natural lands are damaged or polluted, also reflect the continued legacy of prioritizing power and wealth over justice and respect for others.

This mentality of control and dominance can also be seen in some actions of leaders today, including Donald Trump after he regained office in 2025. For example, Trump’s approach to immigration reflected a strong desire to control and limit who could enter the country. His administration enforced strict border policies, including separating families and restricting asylum seekers. These actions showed a mindset of viewing certain people as threats or less deserving of kindness, similar to how medieval rulers viewed native peoples as obstacles or inferiors.

Trump also often used his power to attack critics, media, and political opponents. He labeled dissenting voices as enemies or “fake news,” which created a divided atmosphere. This echoes the medieval belief that rulers must maintain strict control and suppress opposition to keep their power.

Furthermore, Trump frequently emphasized “America First” policies that prioritized national power and economic dominance over global cooperation. This reflects the older idea that a ruler’s primary goal is to expand influence and control resources, sometimes at the expense of others.

In addition, Trump’s close ties with large corporations and wealthy individuals often led to policies that favored the powerful elite. This continues the historical pattern of leaders supporting the interests of the rich and influential, while ordinary people have less say.

While every leader’s situation is different, these examples show how the mentality of control, dominance, and prioritizing one’s own group or power—rooted in medieval European thought—still influences modern government behavior. Recognizing this connection helps us understand the challenges of building a more just and equal society today.

In conclusion, the ruling philosophy of medieval Europe, with its emphasis on divine right, strict hierarchy, and religious mission, shaped how European explorers treated Native Americans. This mentality of superiority and control still influences some attitudes and policies in government today. Whether through broken treaties, harsh immigration laws, or corporate favoritism, the belief that the strong have the right to take from the weak still lives on. As a society, we must recognize this legacy and choose a better path—one of justice, respect, and equality.

Works Cited

Horn, James. A Land As God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America. Basic Books, 2005.

Restall, Matthew. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Trigger, Bruce G. The Children of Aataentsic: A History of the Huron People to 1660. McGill-Queen's University Press, 1976.

Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2005.

Calloway, Colin G. New Worlds for All: Indians, Europeans, and the Remaking of Early America. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.

Thornton, Russell. American Indian Holocaust and Survival: A Population History Since 1492. University of Oklahoma Press, 1987.

Deloria Jr., Vine. Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto. University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.