The European explorers who discovered the new lands of America and Africa were in search of an all-water route to China and India. After establishing reliable routes in this newly discovered land, the motives of the Spanish explorers soon morphed into seeking wealth and fortune. This is also true in the conquering of Africa as well. These types of motives greatly jeopardized the sustainability of the native culture of the area and eventually pushed them close to abolishment.
Christopher Columbus, a Genoese explorer employed by Spain, was the first to sail west in search of this route to China and India. Landing in the Bahamas, he was certain he found what they had set out to. During the exploration of the area he discovered with every turn he took, it seemed he encountered native people native. These people he referred to as “Indians” with the belief that he had reached the territories of India and China (pg. 438-466). Like the Spanish, the Portuguese were also in search for new sea routes to the East. Landing in Africa they quickly established themselves, and soon took control of the markets in gold, salt, and slaves. They too came across native people of the lands, but these people were much different than the Indians that Columbus was introduced to (pg 453).
The new lands provided gold, silver, and salt, which supported the main motive of the Conquistadors and the Europeans. While precious metals were lucrative, slavery was the most profitable. Treated as a
When Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492, he thought he reached Asia. He has made himself believe that he has found the New World and that he was the first to inhabit the land. This was not the case as an Indian Tribe, the Arawaks, was swimming to their boats with excitement. As Columbus’s crew arrived on the shores, he was shocked from the Indians hospitality. Columbus was carrying iron swords as the tribes brought gifts, food and water.
Most children in the United States, grow up with the stories of the brave and heroic Christopher Columbus, who risked his life to connect the western and eastern hemispheres. There is even a day dedicated to his "good work" and "heroism". But the stories don't explore the whole truth. Since his discoveries led to the founding of America, history turns a blind eye to his immoral actions and the consequence of his deeds. Christopher Columbus is a villain because he enslaved, wiped out and manipulated the populations of the Native Americans in the Indies.
Have you ever wondered where why the many different countries in Europe came to America to explore and colonize? There were two main concepts that drew the Europeans to America: the excitement and profit of the "New World", and the past histories of their countries. The English, French, and Spanish each came to the Americas in search of a new beginning; a fresh start in which they could escape past torment and capture new wealth. However, each motive defined the character of each settlement.
Christopher Columbus and Bartolome de la Casas are similar in most ways but have a major difference. They were both explorers of the New World and came to convert the natives into Catholics. The two explorers worked on the Spanish’s behalf. Columbus wrote accounts of the New World in his journal. La Casas wrote the Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies. Both gave accounts of the native people they saw. Columbus’s journal entries aim to give a positive light on the Spanish and their relationship with the natives. La Casas’s Brief Account does the opposite. While this is true, both explores worked faithfully in favor of the Catholic Church, but they each held different beliefs on the treatment of natives as slaves.
The legacy of Christopher Columbus has been a divisive topic for many years. Indeed, according to Laurence Bergreen, the Columbian legacy has been divisive since the time of his voyages. In an excerpt from his book Columbus: The Four Voyages, Laurence Bergreen juxtaposes his extensive historical knowledge with a deep understanding of modern American culture to demonstrate that, for all his successes and failures, Columbus is significant as a reminder that we are all deeply complex and contradictory beings.
Christopher Columbus, explorer for Spain, is he a hero or a villain? Columbus started a new age of exploration when he set sail in 1492. He asked many leaders if he could sail for them, but they said no and that they were happy with the way things were. He sailed west for the Indies, but found America instead. Columbus should not be judged by today’s standards, he is hero and should be treated as one.
Gold & Silver: Gold and silver was the main reason of oversees exploitation and conquests for the money it provided for the Spanish empire. Brutal and violent acts were done to possess the metals. France, England, and Dutch also got the goods by stealing from Spain.
Christopher Columbus set out on his voyage in 1942 on the West Indian islands, to find a new world for the Europeans. When he landed on the Caribbean Island the Indian Natives that lived there were at first scared but greeted him in a friendly manner. The conquest and settlement of the Western Hemisphere opened new opportunities for other Europeans such as the French, Dutch, English and Spanish to come to the island and colonize the Indian's land. For the Europeans to colonize and move in on Native land they had to find a way to interact with the Indians. Through their interaction they found cultural understandings and confusions that were documented by both the Europeans and the Indians. In the book, "Major Problems in American Colonial
point of view on christopher is he is a brave good hero but in reality he is a paradox.
Whether viewed as a monster who destroyed ancient civilizations or a legendary figure who led society to where it is today, Christopher Columbus remains a greatly controversial historical center point as his impact on civilization then, and now, have sparked ongoing debates for centuries. But despite the greatly exaggerated slander against him, Columbus should be revered and celebrated as a hero for his contributions to societal development instead of hated for the blatant lies created by mainstream media in an effort to demonize an iconic historical figure in an attempt to push anti-western sentiment.
In the reading, “Christopher Columbus, Hero and Villain” written by Christine Gibson, Christopher Columbus is portrayed as a villain. Christopher Columbus is a villain because he is a rapist. According to the passage, “the once heroic explorer turned into a conqueror guilty of rape and genocide.” Currently, rape would be considered illegal and a disgusting crime to commit. Secondly, Christopher Columbus is a kidnapper. In the text it states, “he kidnapped some 500 natives to serve as slaves in the old world.” Many people would say kidnapping is a horrid offense. Christopher Columbus took over 500 natives away from their homes. This is not an example of a hero. Also, Christopher Columbus is a murderer. The text tells us, “Later he gave each
Religion played a significant role in the motivation of European exploration; however, the major motivation for European exploration was due to their weak economic system that inspired them to commence exploring for riches and make Europe economically powerful. Religion was the secondary motivation to the European exploration as their main priority was to develop their weak economic system. The Europeans desires for exploration had formed due to the “image of Africa and Asia's riches that helped inspire the first european voyages of discovery”(p.11). The Europeans had always seen themselves as the poor neighbours of Africa and Asia. They had formed the impression of their neighbouring countries that encouraged
During the 15th through 16th centuries, The Portuguese and Spanish explorers were very attracted to valuable resources, new land, and trade routes. These motives encouraged them to seek out new explorations and search for items that would benefit their home countries. Common resources that both the Spanish and Portuguese sought out included silks, porcelain, spices, persian horses, silver, and gold (Chasteen, 2001). Although the Portuguese and Spanish explored and sought out new land for many of the same reasons, they also had some different causes for exploration which were often very specific to the needs and goals of Portugal and Spain.
Francisco used some of the same ideas as Cortes, he also kidnapped the Inca leader, executed him, and then took over Cuzco.
The SOn 1534 the great explorer Jacques Cartier was sent by our beloved king Francis 1 to the new world. Thanks to him we have claimed the land of the north for us great France. Hopefully he will give us a rout the Asie.