preview

Columbus Indians And Human Progress Summary

Decent Essays

We should judge the historical convergence of Columbus, the Indians and Human Progress by looking at how the story of these events are conveyed, the categorization of the term genocide in the situation, and question if it's possible to have human progress without death. When Columbus arrived on the shores and was greeted by the indians while being welcomed into their culture he took these gestures as a sign of weakness. “...They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance.” this shows how ignorant Columbus thought they were since the Indians did not have the kind of knowledge that he had. This further lead to his idea of easy domination of the inferior group who did not know any better. Many historians noted that the Indians viewed Columbus and his men as a godly figure and he was to be worshiped. With the Indian people there for Columbus at his every beck and call this made for an easy conquering …show more content…

Throughout time the story of Columbus coming to the Americas has been sugar coated to the point where no one is aware that a group of people were completely annihilated. Howard Zinn believes we should always look at history from both sides but more importantly the side of the inferior. This is because the superior is more likely to exaggerate their findings or plots just like Columbus did when he went to King and Queen Ferdinand. Getting the fact from the inferior provides a more realistic story and how they felt about being attacked. The battle between the Native Americans and Columbus is not a story we tell children in kindergarten. The result of the battle tore apart a culture and race, lives were lost, people were being captured as slaves to bring back to Spain, and many died traveling to Spain. In no way was the meeting of Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Indians a joyful welcoming

Get Access