The Fact and Fiction Surrounding Columbus

A detailed Summary of The Fact and Fiction Surrounding Columbus

Columbus is considered to be one of the greatest American heroes of all time. Many authors have written accounts of Columbus' voyage to the Americas, whether positive or negative. One such account has been written by John Garrity in the textbook American History. Two of the points that Garrity discusses in his account are Columbus' motives for making his journey to the New World and Columbus' interactions with the Native people. However, Garrity's account omits several key components of these two issues, including Columbus' true motives and the darker side of his encounters with the Natives.

To the average American, the motives behind Columbus' search for a new route to China and the Indies were honourable; however, there is considerable evidence to the contrary. The motives that Garrity gives for Columbus' journey include, the acquisition of fame and fortune for finding a western route to China and the Indies; to find gold; and to earn the title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea, as granted to him by King Fernidad and Queen Isabella of Spain. These are only a small portion of what Columbus was to receive if he was successful in his journey. The contract

Garrity's account of Columbus' journey to the New World leaves the reader with a positive impression of the American Hero. Garrity managed to tell the story of Columbus' journey, while omitting those details, and true motives, which are contrary to the beliefs generally held by the American public. In order to write a factual account, Garrity would have been taking on a legend, an attempt that would have most likely ended in failure. The average American does not like to hear their heroes referred to in a negative manner. Columbus is considered to be an American hero, and thus, must be treated as one, regardless of the true nature of his voyage over 500 years ago.

There are many versions of Columbus' interactions with the Natives; some of these accounts paint a positive picture of what happened, while others reveal a darker and more disturbing image. Garrity's version attempts to show Columbus' actions in a positive light, suitable for a cultural icon. Garrity discusses how when Columbus and his crew landed in San Salvador, they were greeted by a population that was awed by them, and offered them gifts, and invited them to share everything that the

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hero Garrity, Admiral Governor-General, Spain Columbus, Spain's Governor-General, Spaniards Columbus, World Columbus', Fernidad Isabella, Columbus Natives, , China Indies, columbus' journey, columbus considered american, natives refused, garrity discusses, account columbus', columbus' motives, columbus' interactions, native people, true motives, route china indies, american hero, natives refused trade, china indies,

Approximate Word count = 784
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

The Fact and Fiction Surrounding Columbus

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials