Siarra Williams
September 7, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Nightly Essay: Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506
We all have heard the story numerous times. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and found the New World. He made it possible for new items to be traded among the countries. In the New World they found gold, silver, tobacco, corn, and beans to trade among Spain, Europe, and Asia. Although this discovery was accidental it gave people an option to more land. His discovery also made it possible for people to migrant to the New World and start life anew.
As stated before we all have heard the story numerous times. But what we have not heard were the obstacles Columbus went through on his voyages. It was not all rainbows and unicorns on his search for a shorter passage to the Indies. The first obstacle he encountered occurred with the Taino Indians on the island of Hispaniola (Present day Haiti) in 1492. “… Settlers Columbus left behind demanded gold and sexual partners from their host; on his return there in 1494, none of the Europeans were alive.” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) The writer uses this example to support the idea that Columbus had to deal with complex situations. Columbus struggled to keep everything in order and to keep peace between the Native Americans and the settlers. On the third voyage he encountered Spanish settlers, who fought back against his authority. The only truce he was able to come to was at the expense of the Taino Indians. After that he was sent back to Spain, yet again, to stake his innocence.
Columbus’ fourth and last voyage was more hectic and difficult than the first three. “His last voyage, intended to recoup his tarnished reputation, resulted in a long period of suffering in Panama and shipwreck in Jamaica…” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) The writer uses this event in time to show the climax from the first voyage which was bad to the fourth voyage which was worse. Not only did he suffer but he was stranded in Jamaica due to his ship breaking down. He even wrote a memorandum back to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain while he was stranded in Jamaica. “I did not sail upon this voyage to gain honor or wealth; this is certain, for already all hope of that was dead.” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) Christopher Columbus says this to let the royal family know that the purpose of his last voyage was not intended for his own self- interest. He did it out of servitude for his country’s king and queen.
In conclusion Christopher Columbus made one of the world’s most wonderful discoveries in 1492. He opened so many doors for future generations and allowed for more goods to be traded amongst the nations. One of the difficult challenges he went through was being charged several times and sent back to Spain twice on those charges to clear his name. In the end Columbus wrote to the royal family about his servitude and his dishonor after all of his voyages because he did not receive any of the fruits of his labor nor did his family. In the early 1500s he returned to Europe and soon afterwards died.
September 7, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Nightly Essay: Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506
We all have heard the story numerous times. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and found the New World. He made it possible for new items to be traded among the countries. In the New World they found gold, silver, tobacco, corn, and beans to trade among Spain, Europe, and Asia. Although this discovery was accidental it gave people an option to more land. His discovery also made it possible for people to migrant to the New World and start life anew.
As stated before we all have heard the story numerous times. But what we have not heard were the obstacles Columbus went through on his voyages. It was not all rainbows and unicorns on his search for a shorter passage to the Indies. The first obstacle he encountered occurred with the Taino Indians on the island of Hispaniola (Present day Haiti) in 1492. “… Settlers Columbus left behind demanded gold and sexual partners from their host; on his return there in 1494, none of the Europeans were alive.” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) The writer uses this example to support the idea that Columbus had to deal with complex situations. Columbus struggled to keep everything in order and to keep peace between the Native Americans and the settlers. On the third voyage he encountered Spanish settlers, who fought back against his authority. The only truce he was able to come to was at the expense of the Taino Indians. After that he was sent back to Spain, yet again, to stake his innocence.
Columbus’ fourth and last voyage was more hectic and difficult than the first three. “His last voyage, intended to recoup his tarnished reputation, resulted in a long period of suffering in Panama and shipwreck in Jamaica…” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) The writer uses this event in time to show the climax from the first voyage which was bad to the fourth voyage which was worse. Not only did he suffer but he was stranded in Jamaica due to his ship breaking down. He even wrote a memorandum back to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain while he was stranded in Jamaica. “I did not sail upon this voyage to gain honor or wealth; this is certain, for already all hope of that was dead.” (Christopher Columbus: 1451-1506) Christopher Columbus says this to let the royal family know that the purpose of his last voyage was not intended for his own self- interest. He did it out of servitude for his country’s king and queen.
In conclusion Christopher Columbus made one of the world’s most wonderful discoveries in 1492. He opened so many doors for future generations and allowed for more goods to be traded amongst the nations. One of the difficult challenges he went through was being charged several times and sent back to Spain twice on those charges to clear his name. In the end Columbus wrote to the royal family about his servitude and his dishonor after all of his voyages because he did not receive any of the fruits of his labor nor did his family. In the early 1500s he returned to Europe and soon afterwards died.
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see comments 7, 23, and 19 (add more, please)
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