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Impact Of Christopher Columbus On Native Americans

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In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the islands of the Bahamas. This discovery had many implications; however, this landing greatly affected many generations of Native Americans. Christopher Columbus and the Spanish conquistadors were moral in their actions and beliefs, through their dedication to faith, their patriotism, and their perspectives toward the Native Americans. This morality was evident in the equality, which the explorers endowed to the natives. By treating them as humans, the conquistadors exhibited a genuine interest in native society, leading to a bond between the two groups. This interest and effort to forge relationships lead to the desire to convert the natives to Christianity and spread the message of the Bible. These actions and personal beliefs displayed a moral compass, by which the conquistadors lived. …show more content…

In his own letter, Columbus wrote, “Down to the present, I have not found in those islands any monstrous men, as many expected, but on the contrary all the people are very comely…” The letter described a Christopher Columbus who observed the lifestyle of the natives. This intense study represents an intellectual interest in the natives. The Spanish looked through the eyes of an academic which was evident in seeing the natives as being humans. Additionally, the Spanish established a base on the island of Española. While Columbus was on the island, he developed a strong bond with the leaders of the island. In Columbus’ own words, “...great friend with the king of that land, to such a degree that he prided himself on calling and holding me as my brother.” The morality of the conquistadors was displayed in giving the natives

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