Every October 12th, academic scholars debate the significance of Columbus’ first voyage to, what came to be identified as, the “New World.” Each centennial (or every 100 years) expositions occur nationwide and in Europe assessing his heroism and the importance of his “discovery.” Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere have their own interpretations and understand his arrival as an “invasion.” Throughout an American’s educational upbringing, one side of the debate has been thoroughly studied and accepted: discovery.
Using the course material as sources of reference, provide a meaningful interpretation of the debate: did Columbus discover America or did he invade it? Write an opinion piece on the debate. Make sure your entry incorporates answers to the questions below and uses specific examples from the sources to support your understanding of the debate:
Why do Europeans and Americans celebrate “discovery”? Why do Native peoples consider Columbus’ arrival an “invasion?” How should one reflect on this historical experience?
Hint: address Zinn’s ideological argument: why does he choose to view history from the standpoint of the other? Don’t get lost in the story of Columbus. Deal with his argument on how to view U.S. history from the standpoint of the other.
IMPORTANT: The assignment is not about what you think. You can add thoughts in the conclusion of the essay.
Videos are only a couple of minutes each.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0G6FLn0ynI
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