preview

Christopher Columbus Research Paper

Decent Essays

The Experiences the Natives had with the Europeans Christopher Columbus “discovered” the New World, creating the search for profits determining the direction of Spanish exploration. In 1504, Hernando Cortes had sailed the Atlantic Ocean with 600 men, ten cannons, weapons and horses. They had come to fight and conquer “To justify their own imperialism, the rival Europeans elaborated upon some very real Spanish atrocities to craft the notorious persistent “Black Legend”: that the Spanish were uniquely cruel and far more brutal and destructive than other Europeans in their treatment of the Indians. (American Colonies p.51) Soto is a prime example of the sadistic nature of the Spaniards. “Soto had reaped a fortune as a subordinate officer in …show more content…

Their guide, Esteban had mistreated the women of Zuni and was killed for his actions. When Marcos de Niza reported back to the viceroy in Mexico, he had lied about their voyage. He had told them Zuni, and the surrounding area had tremendous amounts of gold and other highly profitable metals and gems. This lie led to a severe destruction and the death of hundreds Pueblo. Women did not escort the Spanish men in the early exploration, which contributed to an increase in desire to rape the native women. The Spaniards also caused destruction by devouring their crops and brutally killing their families. The Pueblo finally revolted, but the counterattacks by the Spanish were detrimental to the Pueblo and left them vulnerable. The conquistadors still could not find precious metals or gems throughout their entire journey and therefore killed hundreds of innocent Indians of pure frustration. (American Colonies p. …show more content…

The promoters, named after their ambition and optimism. Accompanied by sturdy beggars, defined as the unemployed, lower class population, made their way to the New World. Due to the lack of money in the english monarchy, the English settlers did not come armed with weapons, horses and other expensive equipment. Which resulted in a different mentality of conquering the land. English radical protestants also joined this voyage to escape from the Anglican repression. Men, women, and children settled in the New World, creating a distinct “civilized” and “savage” differentiation. Another dissimilarity between the Spanish and the English, was that the British never sent missionaries to convert the Indians. “More thoroughly commercial, the English meant to Christianize the indians by first absorbing then as economic subordinates.” (American colonies p. 129) Christian beliefs of the Brits contributed to the controversy of them helping the Natives. English settlers believed they were doing the Natives a favor, by civilizing them and improving their lives, therefore gratitude and submission was expected from

Get Access