Arguments to Depict Columbus as a Villain

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The Conquest of the New World: American Holocaust

Stannard, David E. “The Conquest of the New World: American Holocaust.” Onkwehonwerising.files.wordpress.com. Oxford University Press, 1992. Web. 2 Oct. 2016.

Why this piece reflects negatively: This article goes into depth on Columbus’ interaction with the natives he meets at different intervals. It even includes excerpts from his own journals and letters, calling the natives “gentle”, “generous”, and peaceful. He clearly recognizes the fact that they are a welcoming people, and in the next breath comments on how he has taken several of them like animals as slaves. Another account comes from now of Columbus’ men on board the ship, who receives a native woman as a “gift” from his captain.

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Columbus Reports on His First Voyage, 1493

Columbus, Christopher. “Columbus Reports on His First Voyage, 1493.” Www.gilderlehrman.org. The Gilder Lerhman Institute of American History, 2012. Web. 2 Oct. 2016.

Why this piece reflects negatively: While this piece is also listed in the pro section, it also holds obvious evidence to find Columbus a criminal. A main point in one of his first letters upon arrival to the monarchs of Spain speaks often of the natives. Other than promising to deliver these lands, their treasures, and their people to his sponsors, he speaks of how easily it would be done. Columbus comments on the fact that the natives have no “true” or modern weaponry such as the European countries, only primitive weapons. This no doubt was of incredible interest.

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The Conquest of the New World: American Holocaust

Stannard, David E. “The Conquest of the New World: American Holocaust.” Onkwehonwerising.files.wordpress.com. Oxford University Press, 1992. Web. 2 Oct. 2016.

Why this piece reflects negatively: This article describes atrocities committed not only by Columbus, but his men and other Europeans as well. It comments on the diseases traded between countries and economic difficulties within the native communities, but focuses mainly on the abuse of these peoples. They were beaten and murdered, used to practice hunting dogs, oppressed violently with religion, and sold into slavery, to name bigger issues.

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