Christopher Columbus Pros And Cons

1. Christopher Columbus and monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were interested in the wealth that his expedition would secure. “Columbus was promised a large share of any economic benefits that might accrue from is voyage and extensive authority over any lands he might discover. The monarchs also stood to benefit.” Their anticipation was for the potential of discovery of riches such as “pearls, precious stones, gold silver, [and] spices”, as well as any other wealth that could be “bought, bartered, discovered, acquired or obtained.” Of this wealth, Columbus was to receive one tenth, with “the other nine parts remaining for your Highnesses”, the King and Queen of Spain. Columbus believed, and had convince the monarchs to also believe, that he would discover “islands and main lands” and for his efforts, Columbus would be granted the titles of “Lord Cristobal Colon” and “Chief Admiral

These titles to be passed on to his heirs in perpetuity.

2. The Spanish and their allies, the Tlaxcala’s, were motivated by the abundance of gold that the Aztecs demonstrated they possessed, by the gifts they gave to the Spanish, when they first arrived. Astounded by the opulence of the “golden banners, banners of precious feathers and gold necklaces”, the Spanish reacted to their thirst for gold as though “they were gluttonous for it, starved for it, piggishly wanting it.” The Spanish based the reason for their attack on Cholula, and “sacked and looted, because of its leaders’ lack of cooperation.” The Spaniards demonstrated their military might when “they all dressed and equipped themselves for war” and “arranged themselves in rows, files and ranks.” They had full armor and their weaponry included, iron swords, shields, iron crossbows, harquebuses, and “iron lances and halberds”, which combined three