Christopher Columbus Research Paper

Words: 801
Pages: 4

A voyage that not only was a crucial journey in history but also one that lead the way for Spanish colonization was Christopher Columbus’s exploration from Spain to the West Indies. This expedition acted as a passageway to prosperous European colonization of the Americas. The Arawak men and women were the inhabitants that Columbus was greeted by when his ship had docked on what he thought to be the West Indies, when in reality it was the Bahaman Islands. He was financed by the King and Queen of Spain, and if he returned with the goods that they were anticipating, Columbus would earn “10 percent of the profits, governorship over newfound lands, and the fame that would go with a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea” (Zinn). The triumphs Columbus …show more content…
He shares in his log that as soon as he arrived on the island he “took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts” (Zinn). The people were very open to sharing and doing whatever needed to be done to help out one another, traits that Columbus was not foreign to. Even though the people were so welcome to Columbus and his people, this did not stop what has been classified as genocide from happening. Although he came for gold and spices, Columbus stripped these people of much more. After trips to and from the island, Columbus has sailed back with 17 ships, over 1,200 men, cannons, guns, horses, attack dogs, and other means of attack. He also sailed back with a much stronger and in charge demeanor. Columbus demanded goods from the Indians and if these items were not given, he would punish the people via removal of noses and ears. Being that the Arawaks were peaceful people and not prepped for any time of war, their weapons made of stone and wood fell flat to Columbus’s weapons of destruction. Any type of rebellious act made by the Indians was overpowered by Columbus’s harsh responses such as sending in attack dogs to literally rip the Arawaks