Zinn: Chapter 1 "Columbus and the Indians"
"They (the Arawak Indians) ... brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks' bells. They willingly traded everything they owned.... They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features.... 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. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane.... They would make fine servants.... With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want" (Zinn 1).
After reading Chapter 1, answer the following three questions. Due Monday
- Explain why Columbus should or should not be a celebrated figure in our country.
- Describe why conquerors like Columbus were able to enslave, and wipeout entire populations like the Arawak Indians.
- Why do you think people like Columbus, the Kings and Queens of Europe, and even the Church were willing to enslave, conquer and kill other human beings?
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