Question

The Indians, Columbus reported, "are so naïve and so free with their possessions that no

one
who has not witnessed them would believe it. When you ask for something they have, they
never say no. To the contrary, they offer to share with anyone....." He concluded his report by
asking for a little help from their Majesties, and in return he would bring them from his next
voyage "as much gold as they need... and as many slaves as they ask." He was full of
religious talk: "Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way
over apparent impossibilities."
Question: Even though Columbus describes the Indigenous people he meets 4 points
in the Caribbean as kind and giving, explain why he immediately chooses to
enslave them. What is Columbus's motivation? What promises has he made
to the king and queen of Spain and how do these promises influence his
actions?
Your answer

Answer 1

Columbus's description of the Indigenous people as kind and giving may seem contradictory to his immediate choice to enslave them. However, Columbus's motivation primarily revolved around his obligations and promises to the king and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella, which significantly influenced his actions.

1. **Promises to the Monarchs:** Columbus had promised the Spanish monarchs substantial rewards from his voyages. He committed to bringing them riches, including gold, and to expanding Spain's territorial holdings. His letters and reports often emphasized his intention to find vast wealth for Spain.

2. **Pressure to Deliver:** Columbus faced immense pressure to fulfill these promises. He was under the constant scrutiny of the Spanish Crown and needed to produce results to secure continued support for his expeditions. Failure to deliver on his promises could lead to a loss of favor and financial backing.

3. **Economic Factors:** Enslaving Indigenous people was seen as a means to extract valuable labor and resources to fulfill his promises. Columbus believed that the labor of enslaved Indigenous people would enable him to acquire the gold and wealth he had assured the monarchs.

4. **Colonial Expansion:** Columbus's expeditions were part of a broader European effort to establish colonies and expand their empires. Enslaving Indigenous populations was a common practice during this period as colonizers sought to exploit the labor force and resources of newly discovered lands.

In essence, Columbus's motivation to enslave the Indigenous people stemmed from his desire to meet the expectations and promises he had made to Ferdinand and Isabella. His actions were influenced by the economic and political pressures of the time, as well as the prevailing colonial mindset that justified the exploitation of Indigenous populations in pursuit of wealth and power.