Question

"Was Christopher Columbus a brave hero for introducing the Americas to Europe? Or was he a greedy conqueror responsible for the deaths of millions of American Indians? Or was he something in between? You will analyze two primary sources that can help you evaluate Columbus's effect on the Americas. Then, write at least three paragraphs to support your claim.

Create an argument to answer the question: Was Christopher Columbus a hero? Your argument should:

a. Clearly state your claim.
b. Include evidence from multiple sources. (At least 2 sources)
c. Provide explanations for how the sources support the claim.
d. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion.
e. Create cohesion among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
f. Establish and maintain a formal style.
g. Produce a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports your argument.

Answer 1

Christopher Columbus's effect on the Americas can be evaluated by analyzing primary sources. The Columbian Exchange revolutionized the lifestyle of various continents through the exchange of crops, animals, and diseases. Europeans' mindset and cultural differences played a significant role in the encounters with Native Americans.

Step-by-step explanation:

Christopher Columbus is a figure who sparks considerable debate among historians. Some view him as a brave hero who introduced the Americas to Europe, while others see him as a greedy conqueror responsible for the deaths of millions of American Indians. However, a balanced analysis of primary sources can help us evaluate Columbus's effect on the Americas.

In his letter to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Columbus describes his encounter with the New World and the subsequent exchange of crops, animals, and diseases between the Old World and the New. This process, known as the Columbian Exchange, had both positive and negative consequences.

While it introduced valuable commodities like cattle, horses, and crops to the New World, it also brought devastating diseases to which the Native Americans had no resistance, leading to significant depopulation.