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