What role did literacy play in the European invasion of the Americas?

Question

from guns, germs, and steel

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Part of the impetus for European colonization was a religious motive.  Most well known of those who "invaded" America for religious reasons were the Puritans.  The Puritans believed in the "Priesthood of All Believers."  This meant that all church members were encouraged to read the Bible to be able to personally understand their relationship with God.  As such, the colonial society of New England was highly literate.  Contrast this with the Roman Catholic belief that the clergy was needed to interpret the Bible for the laymen.