Unlock document.
This document is partially blurred.
Unlock all pages and 1 million more documents.
Get Access
The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus marked an era of brutal conquest of
indigenous America by the Europeans. When Columbus came ashore in the modern-day Bahamas in
1492, looking for gold, the peaceful Arawaks welcomed him with gifts and food. He later wrote in his
journal: “….They neither carry nor know anything of arms…. They should be good servants…. With fifty
men, they can all be subjugated and made to do what is required of them….”1 Indeed, over a few
generations, the cruel exploitation of Indians initiated by Columbus resulted in more than a million
people perishing from violence, slavery, and the gold mines.2
What Christopher Columbus did to the Arawaks, Hernan Cortes did to the Aztecs. Thirty-four-year-old
Cortes, driven by the desire for glory and wealth, organized an expedition against Mexico in 1519. He
executed a Machiavellian strategy of exploiting political divisions between the native people through
deception, intrigue, and extreme brutality. Cortes and his allies eventually succeeded at toppling the
ancient Aztec empire, famous for its magnificent arts and horrific sacrifices.
However, not all conquistadors saw Indians merely as obstacles in their quest for prosperity. Some grew
through their trials and learned acceptance of the indigenous culture. A Spanish explorer, Alvar Nunez
Cabeza de Vaca, originally left Spain to join an invasion of mainland North America. The expedition was
a failure, and Cabeza de Vaca ended up being captured by Native American tribes. He ultimately
escaped and moved from tribe to tribe for several years before finally returning to Spain. During these
years, he adapted to the Native American life, became a spiritual healer, and attracted numerous
indigenous followers. Cabeza de Vaca continued to be an advocate for the rights of American Indian
people throughout his life.3-4
1) The Journal of Christopher Columbus (During His First Voyage), and Documents
Relating to the Voyages of John Cabot and Gaspar Corte Real, Clements R.
Markham, ed. and trans. (London: 1893)
2) Bartolomé de Las Casas, A Brief Account of the Destruction of the
Indies… (Project Gutenberg EBook: 2007)
3) Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, The journey of Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca and
his companions from Florida to the Pacific, 1528-1536, Fanny Bandelier, trans.
Ad. F. Bandelier, ed. (New York: 1922)
