Columbus Hero or Villain

A detailed Summary of Columbus Hero or Villain

Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain??

In the education systems of many schools, Christopher Columbus is portrayed to students as a hero. His few "heroic" qualities have acted as a facade hiding his evil side throughout the history of America. Although Columbus is known for discovering America and beginning the Age of Exploration, he, in reality an horrendous man who allowed horrific atrocities against the innocent Native Americans.

Today, Christopher Columbus is seen as a great man and an important person in America's history. Columbus is viewed upon as a hero mainly because of his famous voyage. Columbus believed that if someone sailed west, this person would arrive in India quicker and with fewer obstacles, thus giving a better trade route to the Spanish. After many restless weeks, Columbus and his crew arrived in the Caribbean, which they had thought was India. People believe that from this voyage, Columbus was the one who discovered America, and is also seen as a great man who tried to do nothing but good for his country. He is viewed upon as a hero by Americans for these reasons, and has even received a day dedicated to him. He is also credited for beginning the colonization of America, which he indisputab

ly deserves recognition for. However, when one looks into colonization more, he or she can realize that it was not that good of an era due to the problems faced against the Native Americans, which will be mentioned later.

Columbus also caused problems that have long-term effects that are issues today. The large reason that started these problems was the colonization Columbus has been credited for starting. When America was being colonized, many Native Americans were removed from their homes and sent to other areas of poorer conditions. For example, many natives were sent to live in less arable land, so more arable land could be used for the "civilized" Europeans. Some natives were forced to live under the rule of someone who owned their land. This was called the encomienda system. The natives were slaves who worked in horrible conditions such as dangerous mines. It cannot be argued that the natives were under pure slavery and were forced to work on a person's property. The natives believed their land was not set by individual sections, but they believed it was owned and shared together. The Europeans began to claim land the second they arrived on the island. Today, natives are struggling in the social structure because they have been overlooked for so many years. The per capita income of natives are the lowest out of any social group or race. ("Who are the Natives") These problems are all linked to Columbus and colonization.

Columbus beat, raped, enslaved, killed natives, brought diseases, and affected the natives' lives forever. That is such a vague way to show how little of a heart Columbus actually had. American Indian activist Russell Means stated, "Columbus makes Hitler look like a juvenile delinquent." ("Crimes of Christopher Columbus"). This quote may seem extraordinary because of comparing Columbus to someone like Hitler, but Columbus committed the same types of atrocities as Hitler such as genocide. If Hitler is judged by the way he treated people, why isn't Columbus?

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Approximate Word count = 1623
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History