Colonial America laid the foundation for the complicated country we call the United States. Historians debate many questions about that critical time period before the thirteen colonies declared and won independence from Great Britain. One of the most interesting questions is: What was the most significant major event preceding the founding of the nation? There is no ‘correct’ answer to this question. There are many possible responses, but the facts show that some arguments are stronger than others. After learning about it in class and researching it on my own, I argue that Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the ‘New World” is the most significant event because, while the eventual discovery of the Americas was inevitable, Columbus’ immediate cruelty towards the Native Americans set the …show more content…
On page 1 of “A young person’s history of the United States,” the text says: “They (the Indians) would make fine servants.” (excerpt from Christopher Columbus’ diary) This shows that, upon meeting the Native Americans, Columbus only had cruel things in mind, and he had no interest in making peace with them. In the 2nd paragraph of the website ‘historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinncol1.html,’ (in website list on newwestus.com) the text states: “As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts.” (another excerpt from Christopher Columbus’ diary) At this point, Christopher Columbus only had two things in mind: slaves and gold. His diary proves that he would do anything to get these things. After capturing them, Columbus realized that Native Americans provided a very inefficient workforce, and this led the way for African slaves and the rapid increase in the