In describing his position, Dr. Zinn references Christopher Columbus’ personal log and “eye witness” accounts of the history of the Indies written by a priest by the name of Bartolome’ De Las Casas. Dr. Zinn describes De Las Casas as a particapent in what he calls the “conquest” of Cuba. This priest authored 2 volumes on the history of the Indies, and Dr. Zinn supports his arguments in part based on information recorded in De Las Casas’ books.
Dr. Zinn begins the article in support of his position by relating a statement Columbus recorded in his log; “As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and give me of whatever there is in these parts”. Dr. Zinn goes on to say that Columbus’ adventures, what he calls “conquest” was motivated by material gain. Dr. Zinn states that what Columbus wanted the Indians to know was that “the information Columbus wanted the most was; where is the gold”. In support of this statement, Dr Zinn uses another quote from
Cited: Dr. Howard Zinn Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress A People’s History of the United States. Harper Collins US New edition (February 4, 2003).