What Are The Similarities Between Christopher Columbus And The Arawaks

What comes to mind when you hear the oh so famous Christopher Columbus? Perhaps the date 1492? Or maybe him sailing the ocean blue? Whatever it maybe it many not be the whole truth. Our high school history classes are not giving us the truth about certain historical events; for example Christopher Columbus and the Spaniards sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to find gold, spices, and new land. However, that's not all he acquire on his quest. In 1492 Christopher Columbus set sail to find gold and spices in the Caribbeans ,little did he know the Caribbeans were already populated with the indians Arawaks. After sailing for little over a month's time he and his ships spotted land which were the Caribbeans. Columbus was greeted by the indians Arawaks who showered him with a plethora of food, gifts, and even water for them to have. Columbus perceived the Arawaks had gold because of the gold in their ears so he took them as stages and made them lead him to the riches he had come for. Christopher Columbus was on the hunt for spices, gold ,and slaves for Spain's King and Queen. On his second voyage he was given more than twelve hundred men and seventeen ships ; this time the goal was set for slaves and gold. As Columbus traveled from island to …show more content…
As children we are told the tail of a heroic European who sailed the ocean to find the “New World”, however it was not that way one bit. Yes, he did sail the ocean blue in 1492 ,but for all the wrong reasons; gold and slavery. As for the Arawaks, they were gracious towards the Spanish and were treated so poorly. There was no hope for the Indians who crossed paths with Columbus; he obtained many villages, loads of gold, and lots of times he enslaved Indians. To say the Indians were doomed at the beginning would be an