Question

october 11, 1492
as i saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, i presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass beads, and hawks bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. but they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. they all go completely naked, even the women, though i saw but one girl. all whom i saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces; their hair short, and coarse like that of a horses tail, combed toward the forehead, except a small portion which they suffer to hang down behind, and never cut. some paint themselves with black, which makes them appear like those of the canaries, neither black nor white; others with white, others with red, and others with such colors as they can find. some paint the face, and some the whole body; others only the eyes, and others the nose.
weapons they have none, nor are acquainted with them, for i showed them swords which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. they have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish - bones or other things at the ends. they are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. i saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and demanded by signs the of them; they answered me in the same way, that there came people from the other islands in the neighborhood who endeavored to make prisoners of them, and they defended themselves. i thought then, and still believe, that these were from the continent. it appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and i am of opinion that they would very readily become christians, as they appear to have no religion. they very quickly learn such words as are spoken to them. if it please our lord, i intend at my return to carry home six of them to your highnesses, that they may learn our language. i saw no beasts in the island, nor any sort of animals except parrots.
group inquiry activity

1. what assumptions or biases did columbus have toward the natives according to his first encounter? what evidence supports your claim?
2. how did the natives respond to columbus and his crew? what do you think they thought of him?
3. what plans did columbus have for natives?
4. should columbus be credited for the discovery of the new world? why or why not?

Explanation:

1. Columbus assumed natives were easily - convertible to Christianity and would make good servants. Evidence: "I perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means... I thought... they would be good servants... they would very readily become Christians." He also saw them as poor and lacking in technology as they had no iron weapons.
2. Natives were friendly, brought gifts like parrots and cotton thread, and engaged in trade. Their view of Columbus is not directly stated but their friendly actions suggest curiosity and openness.
3. Columbus planned to convert them to Christianity and carry six of them home to learn the language.
4. Arguments for crediting Columbus include being the first European to make sustained contact, opening up new trade routes and cultural exchanges. Arguments against include the harm caused to native populations, and the fact that the Americas were already inhabited and known to their native peoples.

Answer:

1. Assumptions/biases: Easily convertible to Christianity, good servants, poor and technologically - backward. Evidence: Quotes about conversion, servant - potential, and lack of iron weapons.
2. Response: Friendly, traded gifts. Their view: Likely curious and open.
3. Plans: Convert to Christianity, take six to learn language.
4. For: First European contact, opened trade/cultural exchange. Against: Harm to natives, Americas already known to natives.