Christopher Columbus Children
When asked about Nash Vansloten, Christopher Columbus’ accomplishments, one fifth grader responded, “Columbus found the Indians, and thought that there was an end of the world. At first, the Indians and Columbus weren’t friends, but then they became friends because of trading and stuff,” a sentiment is echoed throughout classrooms across America. The story of Christopher Columbus that one learns as a child contradicts reality, ultimately distorting the legitimacy of his discoveries, his respectful nature and his heroism. “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” are words that nearly every child in the American education system has heard. Elementary educators teach that Columbus was the renowned explorer who discovered the New World, a catalyst
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of European colonization and the man who made America possible. However, Christopher Columbus was not the first person to discover North America; he landed in the Caribbean, rather than on North American soil as he is often credited. In fact, Columbus, himself, was unaware that he had discovered land unknown to the European World. Additional evidence suggests that there was extensive exploration of the American continents during medieval times by Norse voyages, who were even suspected to have colonized the Northern continent (“Five Myths About Christopher Columbus”). Because Americans often credit Columbus as the man who discovered North America, the true facts are often overlooked and oversimplified to portray Columbus in a much more positive light.
The details of Columbus’ discoveries are not the only aspect of his legacy that educators tend to exaggerate.
In fact, many children do not even learn about Columbus’ relationship with natives or simply assume they had a peaceful and respectful relationship. However, upon his arrival to the New World, Columbus forced many European practices on the native people -- the Catholic faith, for instance. The native people were also subjected to harsh work regimens: gold collecting, land labor and other strenuous tasks by Columbus and his men. If any of these tasks were not sufficiently completed, natives were severely punished by loss of limb or execution. In addition, Columbus sold many native people as slaves. When they revolted, he ordered a “crackdown,” in which many of those natives were slaughtered. Prior to landing, there were approximately 250,000 natives in that region; by the time he had left, only a few hundred remained (“Columbus Controversy”).
Despite it all, Christopher Columbus has remained an American hero. History books depict him as a renowned explorer who proved the world was not flat and discovered the Americas. In reality, there is much more complexity to the picture. As a heroic figure, Christopher Columbus is revered as a trailblazer. For centuries, educators around the world have inaccurately characterized the details of Christopher Columbus’ life and actions, thus leading children to believe he was a hero, a friend and an American pioneer due to false pretenses. History, however, proves
otherwise.
of European colonization and the man who made America possible. However, Christopher Columbus was not the first person to discover North America; he landed in the Caribbean, rather than on North American soil as he is often credited. In fact, Columbus, himself, was unaware that he had discovered land unknown to the European World. Additional evidence suggests that there was extensive exploration of the American continents during medieval times by Norse voyages, who were even suspected to have colonized the Northern continent (“Five Myths About Christopher Columbus”). Because Americans often credit Columbus as the man who discovered North America, the true facts are often overlooked and oversimplified to portray Columbus in a much more positive light.
The details of Columbus’ discoveries are not the only aspect of his legacy that educators tend to exaggerate.
In fact, many children do not even learn about Columbus’ relationship with natives or simply assume they had a peaceful and respectful relationship. However, upon his arrival to the New World, Columbus forced many European practices on the native people -- the Catholic faith, for instance. The native people were also subjected to harsh work regimens: gold collecting, land labor and other strenuous tasks by Columbus and his men. If any of these tasks were not sufficiently completed, natives were severely punished by loss of limb or execution. In addition, Columbus sold many native people as slaves. When they revolted, he ordered a “crackdown,” in which many of those natives were slaughtered. Prior to landing, there were approximately 250,000 natives in that region; by the time he had left, only a few hundred remained (“Columbus Controversy”).
Despite it all, Christopher Columbus has remained an American hero. History books depict him as a renowned explorer who proved the world was not flat and discovered the Americas. In reality, there is much more complexity to the picture. As a heroic figure, Christopher Columbus is revered as a trailblazer. For centuries, educators around the world have inaccurately characterized the details of Christopher Columbus’ life and actions, thus leading children to believe he was a hero, a friend and an American pioneer due to false pretenses. History, however, proves
otherwise.