Summary Of Columbus The Indians And Human Progress

It was October 12, 1492 when Christopher Columbus arrived in the new world and it is also the day in which citizens of the United States celebrate this cultivated man. Many see Columbus as the hero that discovered America, but countless people only know that one perspective. Howard Zinn, the author of Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress deepens the story of Columbus sailing the ocean blue and exhibits a whole different outlook on the events that took place. Zinn’s eloquent depiction spawned interest everywhere due to the graphic and unique portrayal of the so-called 1400’s hero. The author tries to prove (his thesis) the cruelty and immorality of the Italian explorer by giving a commoner’s perspective and clear evidence on how Columbus

It is evident that Zinn tries to tear down the reputation of Columbus and his men by calling them thieves. He clearly states that “they had roamed the island in gangs, looking for gold, taking women and children as slaves for sex and labor” (Zinn 2). The author illustrates how Columbus created the natives into adherents whom would give him and his men anything they wanted, whether that be gold, sex, or money. Likewise, Zinn also shows his dislike for Columbus by making him out to be a cold blooded murderer. It is made evident that the author thinks Columbus is a killer when he states “Indians found without a copper token had their hands cut off and bled to death” and any natives that fled from the scene “were hunted down with dogs and killed” (Zinn 3). Columbus was in charge of the murders that happened on the island, killing millions. Similarly, Zinn displays his hatred for Columbus by accusing him of tyranny and always gaining control over people and situations. The author demonstrates this act of control when he quotes Columbus’s log. Columbus stated “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” (Zinn 1). Zinn including this information proves that he wants to make Columbus look like a controlling captain that simply cannot fathom the thought of keeping calm with the