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104 Christopher Columbus Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best christopher columbus topic ideas & essay examples, 📍 interesting topics to write about christopher columbus, 💡 good essay topics on christopher columbus, ❓ christopher columbus discussion questions.

• Christopher Columbus: Life, Discoveries, and Contributions Christopher Columbus was born in the Republic of Genoa in the middle of the 15th century. It led to the development of market relationships and the emergence of new items in Europe.
• The Four Voyages by Christopher Columbus The voyages were made in the Caribbean and Central America between 1492 and 1504 following the consent granted to him by the monarch. In the course of his expedition, he discovered and named the Island […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• “Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress” by H. Zinn Focusing on two major issues – the difference between the native civilizations and the Western civilization in the context of sharing; and the depopulation of the natives in Bahama due to Spanish exploitation and natives […]
• History of Christopher Columbus’ Voyage Each country was famous for its particular products and searching for the new way to the East with the purpose to make increase the delivery of goods might be the reason for financing the voyage.
• Columbus Discovered America in 1492 and How It Impacted the History of America To begin with, it is profound to note the contemporary civilization being experienced in America was mainly triggered by the Columbus’ discovery of 1492.[1] While some historians may argue that the American civilization was bound […]
• Zheng He and Christopher Columbus as Great Explorers Besides, he is renowned for his voyages that were of the state of the art, and he played a major role in the economic development of China.
• Analysis of Christopher Columbus Voyage According to Butterway, the fallacy anchored on the aim of Christopher’s voyages was that he was not motivated by the possibility of gaining more wealth for himself and his Spanish government, but to construct the […]
• “The Letter of Discovery” by Christopher Columbus The extensive description of the journey along with the highly detailed depiction of people inhabiting America, the environment, and the related issues, can be seen as the primary advantage and strength of the letter.
• “Sea of Lentils” by Rojo and “The Four Voyages of Columbus” by Columbus The conquest principles of possession and the nobility of purpose are first introduced and discussed in the context of Columbus’s text.
• Columbus’ Letter to Luis de Sant Angel Regarding the First Voyage Columbus heard that the people living on the second island at the entrance to India are considered the most ferocious and eat human flesh.
• The Concept of American Dream: Examples of Columbus and Bradstreet Bradstreet’s other dream was to be able to secure a position in the ‘New world’ and still be seen as a woman who cares for her family.
• Columbus’ Voyage to America The purpose of this paper is to reveal the factors that have drawn the Europeans to the exploration of the New World.
• C. Columbus and the Underground Railroad The claim that Columbus was the first person to discover America can be disapproved by the fact that; the Muslim had encountered contact with the people of the American land long before Columbus came into […]
• Was Christopher Columbus an Imperialist? The travel narratives of Christopher Columbus were given in the Letter and Journal of Columbus. The Letter by Columbus was addressed to his mentors namely Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, is not just a narrative […]
• European Expansionism: Columbus, Arawaks, and Aztecs Zinn and Stannard in their works expose that the new settlement was attended by gross interference into the peaceful life of the indigenous population, provoking war and leading to the indigenes’ total extermination.
• The Changing Legacy of Christopher Columbus The current legacy of Columbus states that he was the first person to discover America and that he had set sail to prove that the Earth was round and hence an oceanic voyage westward would […]
• The Voyages of Christopher Columbus Through the means of his discoveries, Christopher Columbus shattered the myth that the world was flat and that the entire planet was centered on the holy town of Jerusalem.
• The Life of Christopher Columbus He was much fascinated with Marco Polo who had managed to travel across Europe to India in reaching the far East, and it was in this context that the idea was born in him to […]
• Columbus Day: An Incorrect Celebration The impression received by the school child is that a promising age of wealth and discovery was launched by this single explorer, bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the light of the […]
• First Voyage of Columbus and Biography of John Smith In a few words, the explorer is trying to assure the king that the decision to send him on the voyage was sensible and would surely turn profitable, He also mentions the magic word of […]
• The Heirs of Columbus: Discovery and Innovation As such, the introduction of the New World to Europeans can be seen to have initiated the development of innovative thought in terms of anthropology, philosophy, social sciences, as well as biology, and geography.
• Christopher Columbus as a Famous Historical Figure Basically, the political aspects of the modern world should be attributed to the efforts and achievements of Christopher Columbus. In conclusion, Columbus is accredited for the discovery and exploration of the Americas after his successful […]
• Columbus’ Discovery for Western and Native Civilizations Instead, the article promotes the message of acknowledging the idea that the discovery of America led to immense progress, societal growth, innovation, and development.
• Period of the Indians Discovery by Christopher Columbus Each extract from the letters is a unique opportunity to learn and try to understand the past and history.”The Diario of Christopher Columbus ” is the story of how the Admiral found the land and […]
• Traveling With Columbus: How to Have a Smooth Trip If cameras and phones are not allowed during the trip, they would have to rely on drawings and paintings to capture the beauty of the newly discovered lands and the unique culture of the island […]
• Columbus’s Encounter With Caribbean Natives The history of the discovery by Caribbean people of Christopher Columbus in the service of the king and queen of Spain who assumed he was on the coast of China has explained the impact of […]
• West European Studies: Columbus’ Journey The period from the beginning of the 15th century until the end of the 17th century was marked as the Age of Discovery.
• Christopher Columbus and His Condescending Attitude Columbus’ entrepreneurial family initiated him into the world of seafaring, however it was the expansion of the Turkish Empire that fired up his imagination with regards to testing the claim that the earth is round […]
• Technology and Colonization: Columbus Discovers the ‘New World’ The mission to the discovery of the new world was enhanced by the ruler of Spain in 1492. The spirit of colonization was enhanced by the struggle for supremacy and the increased technological advancements that […]
• Rethinking Columbus, Rediscovering America: In Search for the Promised Land Speaking of the most appropriate way to introduce the new facts about Columbus to the elementary school students, a teacher can possibly start with asking the kids what they know about Columbus and his adventure.
• Christopher Columbus- Not an American Hero This is generally because the discovery of America is greatly attributed to Columbus who in 1942 is said to have visited the Central America.
• A Biography and Actions of Christopher Columbus, an Italian-Born Spanish Explorer
• A History of the First Voyage of Christopher Columbus in a Letter to King Ferdinand of Spain
• A Look at the Impact of Christopher Columbus in the History of America
• An Analysis of Christopher Columbus and the Spread of the Religion of Catholicism in America
• An Analysis of the Discovery of the America by Christopher Columbus in 1492
• An Examination of the Morality and Personality of Christopher Columbus
• An Overview of the Curiosity of the European Countries and the Travels of Christopher Columbus
• Christopher Columbus: American Hero or Is It All Just a Sham?
• Christopher Columbus And The New Era Of Exploration
• Christopher Columbus, Corn And Potatoes: How The New World Fed The Old
• Christopher Columbus Voyage to the New World
• Comparison of Christopher Columbus & Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca
• Differences And Similarities Between John Glenn And Christopher Columbus
• Factors Contributing to Christopher Columbus’ Voyage
• Genocide in the Letters and Documents of Christopher Columbus, Cabana De Vaca and Las Casas
• History: Christopher Columbus And George Washington
• How Contemporaries Depicted Hernan Cortes and Christopher Columbus
• How Natives Today React Christopher Columbus
• If Christopher Columbus Returned To The “New World” In The Year 2000
• Marco Polo’s Influence on Christopher Columbus
• The Columbian Exchange By Christopher Columbus
• The Debate About Honoring Christopher Columbus
• The Difference between Myth and Reality about Christopher Columbus
• The Face of America If Christopher Columbus Have Not Discovered It
• The Fact and Fiction Surrounding Christopher Columbus Voyage
• The Historical Legacies of Christopher Columbus
• The History Behind Tobacco Goes As Far Back As Christopher Columbus
• The Importance and Role of Christopher Columbus in Our History
• The Inevitable American Revolution By Christopher Columbus
• The Life, Achievements and Influence of Christopher Columbus
• The Life and Times of Christopher Columbus
• Theme of Cannibalism in the Age of Exploration in the Writings of Christopher Columbus
• Themes Of Cannibalism And Torture At Christopher Columbus
• The Motivations of Christopher Columbus and Father Jogues in Coming to the New World
• The Portrayal of Christopher Columbus in Elementary School
• The Positive and Negative Impacts of Christopher Columbus on the Americas
• The Significant Contributions of Christopher Columbus
• The True Story Of Christopher Columbus
• The Ugly Truth Behind the Expeditions of Christopher Columbus
• Truth About Christopher Columbus: The Man Behind a Genocide
• Was Christopher Columbus A Man Responsible For The Decimation
• Positive Impact Of Christopher Columbus ‘s Discoveries
• The Age Of Exploration By Christopher Columbus
• Did Christopher Columbus Shape Global History?
• What Does Columbus Say About the Natives That Might Attract the Attention of Christian Missionaries?
• How Did Chinese Rudder Affect Christopher Columbus?
• Was Christopher Columbus a Pirate or Hero?
• What Does Columbus Say That Might Attract the Economic Ambitions of Ferdinand and Isabella?
• How Influential Was Christopher Columbus to Spain and Europe?
• Why Christopher Columbus Isn’t the Person, He’s Presented to Be?
• How Did Contemporaries Depict Hernan Cortes and Christopher Columbus?
• What Do Columbus and the Crew See on Their Voyage?
• Why Did Christopher Columbus Not Discover America?
• How Do Native Americans Today React to Christopher Columbus?
• What Are Some Contributions Left by Columbus?
• How Different Would Be the Western Civilization if Christopher Columbus Had Not Discovered America?
• Do You Think That Columbus Should Be Glorified? Should Columbus Day Still Be Celebrated?
• How Would You Describe the Tone of Christopher Columbus’ Letters?
• What Were Christopher Columbus’ Intentions for His Voyage?
• Do You Think Columbus’ Actions Could Be Classified as a Genocide?
• How Does Columbus Describe the Reason for His Expedition, and Its Beginning?
• What Is the Voyage Across the Atlantic Like for Columbus and His Sailors?
• Should We Consider Christopher Columbus a Villain or a Hero?
• How Did Columbus Describe the Natives?
• In What Ways Might Politics and Economics Have Influenced, and Perhaps Biased, Columbus’s Account of His Discovery?
• How Did Columbus Describe the Landscape of the New World and Its Inhabitants?
• What Kind of a Person Was Christopher Columbus?
• Should Columbus Day Be Removed From the Calendar and if So, Why?
• Was Columbus the First European to “Discover” America?
• What Were the Names of Columbus’ Three Ships? What Were Some of the Difficulties in Columbus’ First Expedition?
• Where Do We Derive the Term “Indian Giver?” How Did the Explorers Misinterpret This Generosity?
• How Was Columbus Regarded in Spain Upon His Return? What Was Spain’s Second Voyage to the New World?
• What Differentiates Columbus’ Third Journey From Other Expeditions? Where Did He Land on His Third Journey?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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In His Own Words: Christopher Columbus through Primary Sources

In His Own Words:

Christopher columbus through primary sources.

A lesson created in collaboration with the UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project.

Christopher Columbus, Epistola de insulis noviter repertis , 1492. Printed in Paris in 1493. Houghton Library, Harvard

University, http://library.harvard.edu/a-letter-from-columbus .

Kimberly Leyden Phyllis Goldsmith

Teacher Leader, UCBHSSP

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Co-Director, UCBHSSP

In His Own Words: Christopher Columbus through

Primary Sources

LESSON OVERVIEW

This lesson emerged from a year-long study of historical thinking, based on the work of Peter Seixas. As a member of the UCBHSSP’s Teacher Research Group, Kimberly began rethinking how she taught the Age of Exploration. The resulting lesson allowed for students to better understand history as an interpretative discipline, which based arguments on available evidence.

Research Goal: Exploring historical thinking concepts as explained by Peter Seixas, students will learn to think historically by engaging in collaborative discussions, based on evidence, and articulating an argument.

Lesson Context: This lesson is part of a case study on Christopher Columbus. The case study is examined after a general overview of European exploration and is followed by a deeper study of explorers from a variety of European countries. In the case study, students are presented with three distinct types of text:

● An overview of Columbus from a textbook-like source.

● Encounter , an illustrated book of historical fiction that presents a Taino perspective.

Yolen, Jane. Encounter . Voyager Books, 1996.

● Primary sources – excerpts from a journal and letters written by Columbus.

Christopher Columbus, Extracts from Journal in the Fordham University Medieval Sourcebook, http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus1.asp

Columbus reports on his first voyage, 1493. Gilder Lehrman Collection, https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/exploration/resources/columbus-reportshis-first-voyage-1493

Lesson Focus Question: What were Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands and how did

this affect his treatment of them?

Lesson Teaching Thesis: Columbus’s beliefs about the native people strongly affected how he treated them. He believed that he had discovered the islands (in Asia) and therefore thought Spain had rights of ownership. He regarded the native people as inferior believing that they were uncivilized, lacking in both religion and culture. While he was somewhat circumspect in what he wrote in his letter to Ferdinand and

Isabella, he was much more open about his opinions in his journal.

Lesson Components

Before examining the sources in this handout, students will read a text to gain background information on Columbus’s life and historical context. They will also examine the “discovery” narrative from the Taino perspective through historical fiction.

 Background information about Columbus

 Encounter by Jane Yolen

Learning Strategies for sources:

 Excerpts from Columbus’ journal o In small groups, students read and discuss the excerpt from Columbus’s journal and then highlight sections to provide evidence about Columbus’s beliefs and treatment of native people, the Taino. o In a whole class discussion, students share what they discussed and highlighted. o Model how to use the Comparison chart to record the highlighted evidence. o Guide students to complete the Comparison chart.

 Excerpts from Columbus’ letters to Ferdinand and Isabella o

Introduce the excerpts of Columbus’s letter to Ferdinand and Isabella. o

In small groups, students read the document and highlight sections they plan to use as evidence to explain Columbus’s beliefs and treatment of the Tainos. o

In a whole class discussion, students share what they highlighted. o

Guide students to add evidence from the letter to the Comparison chart.

 Source Comparison Chart o Review the focus question: What were Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands and how did this affect his treatment of them? o Students discuss differences in the accounts presented in the journal and letter. o Guide students to complete the last column on the Comparison chart

Writing Strategies: Analyzing and Citing Evidence

 Students select evidence from the Comparison Chart to answer Focus Question by completing the

Evidence/Analysis chart.

 Students then use Outline for Evidence/Analysis paragraph.

 Model how to use the Evidence/Analysis chart and the outline to write a paragraph.

 Using the completed paragraph outline, students write their final draft.

Learning Goal: Students write an opinion paragraph using specific evidence from the primary sources to make an argument about how Columbus’ beliefs influenced his treatment of the Tainos.

California History-Social Science Content Standards:

5.2 Students trace the routes of early explorers and describe the early explorations of the Americas.

California Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills:

Research, Evidence, and Point of View

1. Students differentiate between primary and secondary sources

Historical Interpretation

Common Core Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6-12:

Key Ideas and Details

1. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

9. Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably

Common Core Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6-12:

Text Types and Purposes

1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards

Comprehension and Collaboration

1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions

Native Americans

Current Unit

The Age of Exploration

Case Study: Columbus o o o

Textbook Overview

Taino Perspective from Encounter

Columbus’ Perspective from journal and letter

Settlements in North America

Overview o o o

Reasons for Exploration

Timeline is about

European exploration of the Americas

Focus Question : What were Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands and how did this affect his

treatment of them?

Other European Explorers o English o Spanish o Dutch o French

Thinking Skills

● Using Evidence

● Perspective

● Compare and Contrast Unit Teaching Thesis : Columbus’s beliefs about the native people strongly affected how he treated them. He believed that he had discovered the islands (in Asia) and therefore thought Spain had rights of ownership. He regarded the native people as inferiors believing that they were uncivilized, lacking in both religion and culture.

While he was somewhat circumspect in what he wrote in his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, he was much more open about his opinions in his journal.

SOURCE 1: Excerpt from Columbus’s Journal, 1492

Friday, October 12. At two o’clock in the morning the land was discovered . . . Arrived on shore, they saw very green trees, many streams of water, and diverse sorts of fruits. The

Admiral called upon the two Captains, and the rest of the crew who landed . . . to bear witness that he before all others took possession of that island for the King and Queen.

A number of the people of the island gathered together. Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: “As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and knew that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to put around their necks, and many other things of little value, with which they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass bead, and hawk’s bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces; their hair short, and coarse like that of a horse’s tail, combed toward the forehead, except a small portion which they wear long and never cut. Some paint the face, and some the whole body, others only the eyes, and others the nose. They do not have weapons nor know anything about them, for I showed them swords, they grasped them by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish-bones or other things at the ends. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. I saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and I made signs to ask what they were; they answered me in the same way, that people from the other islands came with the plan to make prisoners of them and they defended themselves. . . . It appears to me, that the people are intelligent, and would be good servants and I believe that they would easily be made Christians, as they appear to

SOURCE 1: Excerpt from Columbus’s Journal, 1492 have no religion. They very quickly learn the words that are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I plan to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language.” These are the words of the Admiral.

Sunday, October 14. In the morning, I ordered the boats to be readied and coasted along the island to examine that part of it . . . for I wished to give a complete report to your

Highness, and also find where a fort might be built . . . I do not, however see the need of fortifying the place, as the people here are simple in war-like matters . . . I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased.

Discussion Questions:

How does Columbus describe the land when he first sees it?

How does Columbus describe the people when he first meets them?

Based on his description, how does Columbus think the native people can benefit him?

A number of the people of the island gathered together. Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: “As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and knew that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to put around their necks, and many other things of little value, with which they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass bead, and hawk’s bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces; their hair short, and coarse like that of a horse’s tail, combed toward the forehead, except a small portion which they wear long and never cut. Some paint the face, and some the whole body, others only the eyes, and others the nose. They do not have weapons nor know anything about them, for I showed them swords, they grasped them by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish-bones or other things at the ends. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. I saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and I made signs to ask what they were; they answered me in the same way, that people from the other islands came with the plan to make prisoners of them and they defended themselves. . . . It appears to me, that the

SOURCE 1: Excerpt from Columbus’s Journal, 1492 people are intelligent, and would be good servants and I believe that they would easily be made Christians, as they appear to have no religion. They very quickly learn the words that are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I plan to carry home six of them to your

Highnesses, that they may learn our language.” These are the words of the Admiral.

1. How does Columbus describe the land when he first sees it?

● At two o’clock in the morning the land was discovered

● Arrived on shore, they saw very green trees, many streams of water, and diverse sorts of fruits

2. How does Columbus describe the people when he first meets them?

● As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and knew that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force

● But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people.

● They do not have weapons nor know anything about them

3. Based on his description, how does Columbus think the native people can benefit him?

● It appears to me, that the people are intelligent, and would be good servants and I believe that they would easily be made Christians, as they appear to have no religion

● I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased.

SOURCE 2: Excerpt from Columbus’s Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, 1493

. . . Thirty-three days after my departure from Cadiz I reached the Indian Sea, where I discovered many islands, thickly peopled, of which I took possession without resistance in the name of our most illustrious Monarch, by public proclamation and with unfurled banners.

. . . They are all, as I said before, without any sort of iron, and they do not have any weapons, which are unknown to them, and for with they are not adapted: not because of any bodily deformity, but because they are timid and full of terror. They carry, however, canes dried in the sun in place of weapons, upon whose roots they fix a wooded shaft, dried and sharpened to a point. But they never used them; for it has often happened, that when I sent two or three of my men to some of their villages to speak with the inhabitants, a crowd of Indians came forth; but when they saw our men approaching, they speedily took flight, parents abandoning children, and children their parents. This did not happen because we had injured or stolen from them. On the contrary I gave whatever I had, cloth and many other things without expecting anything in return; but they are by nature fearful and timid. But when they see that they are safe and all fear is banished, they are very naive and honest, and very giving of all they have. No one refuses the asker anything that he has; on the contrary they invite us to ask for it. They show the greatest affection towards all of us, exchanging valuable items for things of little value, content with the very least thing or nothing at all. But I forbade giving them items of little or no value . . . because it was plainly unjust; and I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things, which I brought with me, in order to win their affection, and that they might become Christians and love our King and Queen . . .

. . . On my arrival, I had taken some Indians by force from the first island that I came to, in order that they might learn our language, and communicate to us what they knew about the country; the plan succeeded, and was a great advantage to us for in a short time, either

SOURCE 2: Excerpt from Columbus’s Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, 1493 by gestures and signs, or by words, we were able to understand each other. These men are still traveling with me, although they have been with us now a long time, they continue to entertain the idea that I have descended from heaven; and on our arrival at any new place they announced this, crying out immediately with a loud voice to the other Indians, “Come, come, you will see Men from Heaven,” after which women and men, children and adults, when they got rid of their fear, would crowd the roads to see us, some bringing food, others drink, with astonishing affection and kindness . . .

Finally, to sum up in a few works the results and advantages of our journey, I promise to our most invincible Sovereigns, that if they give me some assistance, I will acquire for them as much gold as they need, a great quantity of spices, cotton, and mastic, and as many heathen slaves as their majesties may choose to demand. I also promise rhubarb and other sorts of drugs, which I believe the men I left behind in the fort have found already and will continue to find; for I stayed no longer than I had to because of winds, except while I was providing for the construction of a fort in the city of Navidad, and for making all things safe for the men I left there . . .

Such are the events that I have briefly described. Farewell.

Lisbon, March 14, 1493

Christopher Columbus

Admiral of the Fleet of the Ocean

Columbus reports on his first voyage, 1493. Gilder Lehrman Collection, https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-byera/exploration/resources/columbus-reports-his-first-voyage-1493

How does Columbus describe the people?

Based on his description, how does Columbus think the native people can benefit the king and queen of Spain?

Complete the comparison chart.

Beliefs natives?

How does Columbus describe the

How does Columbus describe trade with natives?

Journal Letter

How are they similar? Different?

Columbus believe about the natives’ religion?

Columbus’s plans for the natives?

How are the two documents similar? How are they different?

Why do you think he changes his words depending on his audience?

. . . On my arrival, I had taken some Indians by force from the first island that I came to, in order that they might learn our language, and communicate to us what they knew about

SOURCE 2: Excerpt from Columbus’s Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, 1493 the country; the plan succeeded, and was a great advantage to us for in a short time, either by gestures and signs, or by words, we were able to understand each other. These men are still traveling with me, although they have been with us now a long time, they continue to entertain the idea that I have descended from heaven; and on our arrival at any new place they announced this, crying out immediately with a loud voice to the other Indians, “Come, come, you will see Men from Heaven,” after which women and men, children and adults, when they got rid of their fear, would crowd the roads to see us, some bringing food, others drink, with astonishing affection and kindness . . .

● They are all, as I said before, without any sort of iron, and they do not have any weapons, which are unknown to them, and for with they are not adapted: not because of any bodily deformity, but because they are timid and full of terror

● they are very naive and honest, and very giving of all they have

● They might become Christians and love our King and Queen . . .

● I will acquire for them as much gold as they need, a great quantity of spices, cotton, and mastic, and as many heathen slaves as their majesties may choose to demand. I also promise rhubarb and other sorts of drugs

Beliefs Journal Letter

How are they similar?

How does Columbus describe the natives?

I saw that they were very friendly to us they seemed . . . to be a very poor people

It appears to me, that the people are intelligent, and would be good servants they are by nature fearful and timid they are very naive and honest, and very giving of all they have

In the journal he focuses on how they are friendly, poor and would make good servants.

In the letter he focuses on how they are fearful, timid, and giving

I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to put around their necks, and many other things of little value they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them

They show the greatest affection towards all of us, exchanging valuable items for things of little value, content with the very least thing or nothing at all. But I forbade giving them items of little or no value

. . . because it was plainly unjust; and I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things

In the journal he is very open about trading things of little value with the native for items that he wants and values.

In the letter, the natives want to trade for items of little value, but he forbade it because it would not be fair. He wants to look like the good guy.

I believe that they would easily be made

Christians, as they appear to have no religion

I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things, which I brought with me, in order to win their affection, and that they might become

Christians and love our

In the journal Columbus writes that the natives have no religion.

In the letter he focuses on winning them to

Christianity, and adds that the natives think he

SOURCE 2: Excerpt from Columbus’s Letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, 1493 descended from heaven. King and Queen they continue to entertain the idea that I have descended from heaven

Weapons They do not have weapons nor know anything about them they do not have any weapons, which are unknown to them

The two documents are the same

I plan to carry home six of them

I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as

I will acquire (for their majesties) as much gold as they need, a great quantity of spices, cotton, and mastic, and as many heathen slaves as their majesties may choose to demand

In the journal the focus is on Columbus and what he plans to do.

In the letter Columbus tells the king and Queen what he will do for them

Columbus’s description of the natives and his beliefs about their religion and weaponry are similar in both documents. How he presents trading with the natives and his plans are very different. In the journal he appears to feel it is fine to trade cheap items for what he wants. In the letter he tells the king and queen that he stopped the trading of cheap items because it was not fair to the natives. In the journal Columbus’s focuses more on plans to benefit himself. In the letter his focus is on how his actions will benefit the king and queen.

He doesn’t want to offend the king and queen. He wants to make a good impression. He may not be sure

about how they feel. He also may be concerned about public opinion.

WRITING STRATEGY: Analyzing and Citing Evidence

Writing Prompt: What were Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands and how did this affect his treatment of them?

Thesis: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evidence /Facts/Quotes Analysis

This means that . . .

This shows . . .

Thesis Statement: Answers the question or prompt and makes a claim about the issue.

Evidence: Details about the topic: definitions, examples, dates, & names.

Analysis: This answers the question: “So what?” or “Why is this significant or important?”

Student Thesis: Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands affected how he and his men treated them.

Source he believed he discovered the islands he could claim them for the King and

Queen of Spain

Journal and

Columbus gave them caps, strings of beads, and other things of little value (J) traded glass beads and hawk’s bells for parrots, balls of cotton and javelins (J) the natives were “very giving of they have” (L)

“exchanging valuable items for things of little value” (L)

Columbus and his men were able to trade items of little or no value for items that they wanted and valued

Journal (J)

“they could easily be made Christians, as they appear to have no religion”

Columbus planned to convert the natives to Christianity

Journal do not have weapons or iron (B) captured six natives to bring back to

Spain (B) are not war-like (J)

“I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased”

“timid and full of terror” (L)

“they are by nature fearful and timid” (L)

Columbus believed that natives would be easy to conquer and enslave

OUTLINE for EVIDENCE/ANALYSIS PARAGRAPH

Focus Question: What were Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands and how did this affect his treatment of them?

_________________________________________________

Thesis Statement: ________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evidence: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Analysis: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concluding Statement: __________________________________________________________________________

Columbus’s Treatment of the Native People of the Islands

Columbus’s beliefs about the native people of the islands affected how he and his men treated them. Columbus believed he had discovered the islands even though there were already people living there. His belief that he had discovered the islands meant that he could claim them for the King and Queen of Spain. Columbus states in his letter to

Ferdinand and Isabella that the natives were “very giving of all they had” even

“exchanging valuable items for things of little value.” Because of this Columbus and his men were able to trade glass beads, hawk’s bells, and other items of little value for balls of cotton thread, javelins, and other more valuable items. In his journal Columbus writes, “I believe that they (the natives) would easily be made Christians, as they appear to have no religion.” Both in his journal and in his letter Columbus mentions more than once his plan to convert the natives to Christianity. Columbus states in both his journal and in his letter that the island people did not have iron or weapons. He felt that they were not war-like but were instead “timid and full of terror.” As a result, Columbus captured six natives to bring back to Spain. He wrote in his journal, “I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and govern them as I pleased.” In conclusion, Columbus’s attitude toward the native people of the islands affected not only how he treated them during his first visit, but also his future plans for the islands and their people.

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History Resources

Columbus reports on his first voyage, 1493

A spotlight on a primary source by christopher columbus.

On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain to find an all-water route to Asia. On October 12, more than two months later, Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas that he called San Salvador; the natives called it Guanahani.

For nearly five months, Columbus explored the Caribbean, particularly the islands of Juana (Cuba) and Hispaniola (Santo Domingo), before returning to Spain. He left thirty-nine men to build a settlement called La Navidad in present-day Haiti. He also kidnapped several Native Americans (between ten and twenty-five) to take back to Spain—only eight survived. Columbus brought back small amounts of gold as well as native birds and plants to show the richness of the continent he believed to be Asia.

When Columbus arrived back in Spain on March 15, 1493, he immediately wrote a letter announcing his discoveries to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had helped finance his trip. The letter was written in Spanish and sent to Rome, where it was printed in Latin by Stephan Plannck. Plannck mistakenly left Queen Isabella’s name out of the pamphlet’s introduction but quickly realized his error and reprinted the pamphlet a few days later. The copy shown here is the second, corrected edition of the pamphlet.

The Latin printing of this letter announced the existence of the American continent throughout Europe. “I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance,” Columbus wrote.

In addition to announcing his momentous discovery, Columbus’s letter also provides observations of the native people’s culture and lack of weapons, noting that “they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror.” Writing that the natives are “fearful and timid . . . guileless and honest,” Columbus declares that the land could easily be conquered by Spain, and the natives “might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain.”

An English translation of this document is available.

I have determined to write you this letter to inform you of everything that has been done and discovered in this voyage of mine.

On the thirty-third day after leaving Cadiz I came into the Indian Sea, where I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance. The island called Juana, as well as the others in its neighborhood, is exceedingly fertile. It has numerous harbors on all sides, very safe and wide, above comparison with any I have ever seen. Through it flow many very broad and health-giving rivers; and there are in it numerous very lofty mountains. All these island are very beautiful, and of quite different shapes; easy to be traversed, and full of the greatest variety of trees reaching to the stars. . . .

In the island, which I have said before was called Hispana , there are very lofty and beautiful mountains, great farms, groves and fields, most fertile both for cultivation and for pasturage, and well adapted for constructing buildings. The convenience of the harbors in this island, and the excellence of the rivers, in volume and salubrity, surpass human belief, unless on should see them. In it the trees, pasture-lands and fruits different much from those of Juana. Besides, this Hispana abounds in various kinds of species, gold and metals. The inhabitants . . . are all, as I said before, unprovided with any sort of iron, and they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror. . . . But when they see that they are safe, and all fear is banished, they are very guileless and honest, and very liberal of all they have. No one refuses the asker anything that he possesses; on the contrary they themselves invite us to ask for it. They manifest the greatest affection towards all of us, exchanging valuable things for trifles, content with the very least thing or nothing at all. . . . I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things, which I had brought with me, for no return whatever, in order to win their affection, and that they might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain; and that they might be eager to search for and gather and give to us what they abound in and we greatly need.

Questions for Discussion

Read the document introduction and transcript in order to answer these questions.

• Columbus described the Natives he first encountered as “timid and full of fear.” Why did he then capture some Natives and bring them aboard his ships?
• Imagine the thoughts of the Europeans as they first saw land in the “New World.” What do you think would have been their most immediate impression? Explain your answer.
• Which of the items Columbus described would have been of most interest to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella? Why?
• Why did Columbus describe the islands and their inhabitants in great detail?
• It is said that this voyage opened the period of the “Columbian Exchange.” Why do you think that term has been attached to this period of time?

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Exploration — Christopher Columbus Accomplishment

Christopher Columbus Accomplishment

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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