Why Is Christopher Columbus Wrong
Christopher Columbus’ Letter of Discovery rose, very quickly, to the top of European publishing in 1493. His letter spread the news of his voyage, in which Columbus claims to have discovered and captured multiple islands in the Indian Ocean in Asia. Obviously, Columbus was way off in his topography and actually landed in what we know now as Haiti/the Dominican Republic and Cuba. While exaggerating size and wealth, he also claimed, wrongly, that China was nearby. In the letter, Columbus is essentially “sucking up” to the Spanish Royal Court for more funding, he makes vivacious claims of victory and accomplishment, “I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making
public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance...” He observes the native’s culture and lack of weaponry, appealing that they are “fearful and timid . . . guileless and honest.” Columbus asserts that the land could easily be seized by Spain, and the natives “might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain.” Having landed they saw vast amounts of luscious trees, crystal clear water, and many assorted types of fruits. Columbus describes the setting as a nirvana, very similar to the Garden of Eden. He states the land to be, "firtile to a limitless degree, laden with fruit and honey." The remarkable and articulate description of "large tracts of cultivatable lands," and the vast amount of rivers, "the majority of which contained gold," illustrated the portrait of an unspoiled sanctuary. In these vast prerogatives, Christopher Columbus gave birth to the American Dream, giving Europeans the revelation of substantial accomplishment and religious authority. Columbus’ letters were printed and spread throughout Europe, resulting in a flood of voyagers and settlers. For some, America became an example of a simpler, better society with religious tolerance. There was a cycle of change throughout both continents due to the discoveries, European life changed drastically from the trades; new crops (corn, potatoes, and spices), animals, philosophies, and diseases (syphilis). The Americas, however, were not as lucky in their side of the trade as they received the slave trade, a hierarchy, and small pox.
public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance...” He observes the native’s culture and lack of weaponry, appealing that they are “fearful and timid . . . guileless and honest.” Columbus asserts that the land could easily be seized by Spain, and the natives “might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain.” Having landed they saw vast amounts of luscious trees, crystal clear water, and many assorted types of fruits. Columbus describes the setting as a nirvana, very similar to the Garden of Eden. He states the land to be, "firtile to a limitless degree, laden with fruit and honey." The remarkable and articulate description of "large tracts of cultivatable lands," and the vast amount of rivers, "the majority of which contained gold," illustrated the portrait of an unspoiled sanctuary. In these vast prerogatives, Christopher Columbus gave birth to the American Dream, giving Europeans the revelation of substantial accomplishment and religious authority. Columbus’ letters were printed and spread throughout Europe, resulting in a flood of voyagers and settlers. For some, America became an example of a simpler, better society with religious tolerance. There was a cycle of change throughout both continents due to the discoveries, European life changed drastically from the trades; new crops (corn, potatoes, and spices), animals, philosophies, and diseases (syphilis). The Americas, however, were not as lucky in their side of the trade as they received the slave trade, a hierarchy, and small pox.