Christopher Columbus' Journal Will Make You Cringe
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This Columbus Day, let's stop pretending that Christopher Columbus was some kind of hero. Sure, the Italian explorer sailed the ocean blue in 1492 and landed in the Americas, but shortly after his arrival, all hell broke loose. The European travelers brought disease and death to the so-called "New World" and committed genocide through their imperialist exploits.
In journal entries from his historic voyage, Columbus expressed his admiration for the indigenous people and their simple way of life. But at the same time, he knew they could be easily exploited and told the Spanish Crown as much. He was sympathetic to the native inhabitants as long as they were submissive and generous.
Here are six quotes from Columbus' journal that show why he is actually the worst.
1. It would only take 50 men to "subjugate" an entire race.
"With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want. Here there are so many of these slaves."
2. The indigenous population could be easily assimilated and enslaved.
"They have no arms, and are without warlike instincts; they all go naked, and are so timid that a thousand would not stand before three of our men. So that they are good to be ordered about, to work and sow, and do all that may be necessary, and to build towns, and they should be taught to go about clothed and to adopt our customs."
3. The New World should be for Catholics only.
"And I say that Your Highnesses ought not to consent that any foreigner does business or sets foot here, except Christian Catholics, since this was the end and the beginning of the enterprise, that it should be for the enhancement and glory of the Christian religion, nor should anyone who is not a good Christian come to these parts."
4. Luckily, they can force the natives to convert to Catholicism.
"It appears to me that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion."
5. There are a lot of riches to be seized in the New World.
"Your Highnesses have an Other World here, by which our holy faith can be so greatly advanced and from which such great wealth can be drawn."
6. And they'll just give it to us if we ask!
"Of anything they have, if you ask them for it, they never say no; rather they invite the person to share it, and show as much love as if they were giving their hearts."
