Columbus’s Dual Legacy
One of the finest explorers in history, Christopher Columbus, is regarded as a significant historical figure. He crossed the Atlantic heading west in quest of a way to Asia but gained fame by landing in America. On the one hand, this demonstrates the tremendous vigor of Europe in the late Middle Ages and early Modern eras, when it was poised to achieve global dominion. Nonetheless, the great majority of the Indigenous people were virtually wiped off through mistreatment and illness, and the transatlantic slave trade significantly expanded as a direct result of this and future journeys. Primary sources may be used to evaluate Columbus’ legacy, and the results may reveal the possibility of re-examination of his legacy.
Geographic and Economic Impact
It is fair to argue that Christopher Columbus’s contribution deserves to be noted in the annals of history when examining the broad economic and geographic ramifications of his findings throughout his voyages. The sole point of contention was whether or not it was possible to find existing settled territory. Also, it has been said that although Columbus found the Bahamas physically, the locals were already kind and welcoming (Columbus et al., 1990). Similar to how Columbus first set foot on this continent, the Vikings had already been there for around five centuries. Despite opposition, Christopher Columbus’ findings proved that the Earth was not flat and that there were exotic foods and raw materials that might be used to build a large-scale economy.
The Eurocentric belief that Europeans are better educated, more clever, and have the desire to convert barbaric tribes into a civilized world had a significant impact on Columbus. Christopher Columbus’s arrogant behavior resulted in the exploitation of the indigenous population as well as the annihilation of entire tribes of people. His point of view can be re-examined, especially in light of the adverse effects of European colonization of the New World.
Studying primary sources is one technique for persuading people with similar viewpoints to change their thoughts. By using primary sources, scholars can see historical events from the perspective of eyewitness experiences. Eyewitness reports depict native lifestyles before European historians evaluated native conduct in the framework of their limited cultural perspective (Columbus & de las Casas, 1991). The exploitation and slaughter that followed may have been avoided with a better knowledge of the rich cultural history of the locals.
Influence of Columbus’s Writings on European Perceptions
It is crucial to comprehend Columbus’ perspective since his perception of the New World and its local people impacted how Europeans saw it. The way Columbus recounted his interactions with the people of the American continent significantly impacted how future explorers and conquerors felt about the locals. Numerous interpretations of the indigenous people’s way of life resulted from Columbus’s and the subsequent European conquistadors’ activities (Columbus & del Pozzo, 1893). Several people used phrases to describe the locals’ way of life in the limited framework of their own culture, which was influenced by the writings of early explorers like Christopher Columbus.
Despite his best efforts, Columbus could not help but reveal his actual views about the Indians since he believed they were an uncivilized people. Because of Columbus’s lack of respect for the Indians, European invaders committed genocide because they thought their dreams of ruling the world were higher than those of the inhabitants of the New World. His particular preferences influenced the manner in which Columbus kept his journal. Because of this, his works could not conceal how he despised these locals as a lesser race than Europeans.
References
Columbus, C., & de las Casas, B. (1991). First voyage to America: From the log of the “Santa Maria”. Courier Corporation.
Columbus, C., & del Pozzo Toscanelli, P. (1893). The journal of Christopher Columbus (during his first voyage, 1492-93) and documents relating the voyages of John Cabot and Gaspar Corte Real (No. 86). Hakluyt Society.
Columbus, C., Pigafetta, A., & Caso, A. (1990). To America and around the world: The logs of Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan. Branden Publishing Company.