- History.com Staff. “Columbus Controversy.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009,
Observations and Excerpts: “In an era in which the international slave trade was starting to grow, Columbus and his men enslaved many native inhabitants of the West Indies and subjected them to extreme violence and brutality… On his first day in the New World, he ordered six of the natives to be seized, writing in his journal that he believed they would be good servants.” Columbus took advantage of the Native Americans and used them purely for his own benefit to better his discoveries. He was the origin for the destruction of Native American life and culture.
Abstract: This website shares the damage that was forced upon the Native Americans and the land that they resided on. His actions were later punished, but are often overlooked.
- Schuman , Howard, et al. Christopher Columbus, Hero or Villain?Public Opinion Quarterly , 2005,
Observations and Excerpts: “Moreover, in addition to the major focus on injustice toward Indians, Columbus has been connected to the despoiling of the natural environment, “now threatening…the existence of the earth as we have known it and the greater proportion of the species, including the human”” (Sale 1990, p.4). The “Columbian trading” that Columbus participated in when he traded plants, foods, and other items created an unstoppable spread of diseases and illnesses. Every living person or plant was effected by these unknown objects.
Abstract: This scholarly article, written by University of Michigan’s Howard Shuman and Hannah D’Arcy, and the University of Georgia’s Barry Schwartz, relates the impact that Columbus’ discovery of America has had on today’s day and age. This article also includes a multitude of information from surveys and historical textbooks and books.
- “Medieval Sourcebook: Christopher Columbus: Extracts from Journal.”Internet History Sourcebooks Project,
Observations and Excerpts: “The Indians on board the ships called this island Saomete. I named it Isabela… I shall penetrate so far as to reach the village and see or speak with the king, who, as they tell us, governs all these islands, and goes dressed, with a great deal of gold about him. I do not, however, give much credit to these accounts, as I understand the natives but imperfectly, and perceive them to be so poor that a trifling quantity of gold appears to them a great amount… But in truth, should I meet with gold or spices in great quantity, I shall remain till I collect as much as possible, and for this purpose I am proceeding solely in quest of them.” Columbus’ accounts from his journal allow readers to perceive that he was selfish in his journey. He ignored the culture that the Native Americans had established and managed to make claims that would make him appear as the great discoverer of America.
Abstract: These journal entries from Columbus himself make apparent his overly arrogant attitude about “his discovery” of America. The journal entries show that he was not focused on learning more about this mysterious land, but instead was focused on the material goods such as gold and spices.
- Stone, Edward T. “Columbus And Genocide.”AMERICAN HERITAGE, Oct. 1975,
Observations and Excerpts: “But the sovereigns’ intervention came too late to save the Arawak people. The tragic sequence of events that began on that November day of 1492, one month after the Discovery, had to be played out to the bitter end. “So that with the slaughter from the wars and the hunger and illnesses that resulted from them … with so much sorrow, anguish and sadness, there did not remain of the multitudes of people which were in this island from the year ’94 to ’06 … but a third,” Las Casas wrote. “Great harvest and accomplished in sufficiently short time,” he added acidly.” Columbus’ actions towards the Arawak community were enough to eventually wipe out this entire population. This genocide of a whole population is due to simple cause and effect, and due to his choices and actions, thousands of lives were lost.
Abstract: This article relates to the fact that Columbus managed to do more harm than he did good. His intentions were dishonest, and therefore led to a catastrophist ending.
Observations and Excerpts: “He concluded his report by asking for a little help from their Majesties, and in return he would bring them from his next voyage “as much gold as they need … and as many slaves as they ask.” He was full of religious talk: “Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way over apparent impossibilities.” Columbus used religion as a method to gain trust from the Natives. In an attempt to relate to Columbus, the people eagerly followed and listened to him.
Abstract: This article recounts many of the same destructive behaviors that Columbus used to obtain his gold and spices. It speaks to the fact that Columbus would use any measures possible to get his way.