Final answer:
Christopher Columbus's attitude toward the inhabitants of Hispaniola was paternalistic and condescending, viewing them as peaceful 'gentle lambs' suitable for Christian conversion, yet his and his men's actions were exploitative and cruel. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the historical accounts and personal journals, Christopher Columbus's attitude toward the people living on Hispaniola can be characterized as paternalistic and condescending. In his writings, he described the Taínos he encountered as 'gentle lambs' and 'inoffensive people,' suggesting that they could be easily converted to Christianity without the use of force.
However, the subsequent treatment of the native population by Columbus and his men, as detailed by Bartolomé de Las Casas, was far from gentle. Las Casas described how the Spaniards treated the natives with extreme cruelty, acting like 'ravening wolves upon the fold,' leading to a dramatic reduction in their numbers.
The given evidence indicates that, although Columbus noted the peaceful nature of the natives and their willingness to trade, he and his men exploited their lack of sophisticated weaponry and unfamiliarity with European practices to subjugate and oppress them.