Question

How does the account by Christopher Columbus view the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean in terms of their economic value to Europe as well as potential converts to Christianity?

a) As valuable economic contributors
b) As potential converts to Christianity
c) Both a and b
d) Neither a nor b

Answer 1

Christopher Columbus saw the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean as valuable for both economic purposes and potential Christian conversion, marking option c) 'Both a and b' as the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the primary sources from Christopher Columbus's writings in 1492, his account views the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean as both potentially valuable economic contributors to Europe and as potential converts to Christianity. Columbus noted their physical abilities and lack of knowledge about European weapons, which suggested to him that they would make good servants. He also observed that they 'quickly took in what was said to them' and believed they could 'easily be made Christians,' indicating his view of their potential religious conversion. Therefore, option c) 'Both a and b' is the correct answer.