Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was an Italian explorer who sailed across the A

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Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was an Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, hoping to find a route to India (in order to trade for spices). He made a total of four trips to the Caribbean and South America during the years 1492-1504, sailing for King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain. On his first trip, Columbus led an expedition with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and theSanta Maria.
The letters that we read are interesting in terms of tone. Columbus's initial response for discovering "The New World" was one of joy and optimism. Despite the fact that he was not looking for new lands, but trade routes, his discovery changed the world and disproved many who thought Columbus was insane for believing the world was round. Today, Columbus is either considered a hero, for his exploration and discovery, or a villain, by those who believe that he brought the European domination and destruction of the native populations of the lands he discovered.

Alevar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca (1490-1558) was an explorer of America, coming after Columbus, with his first voyage in 1527. Cabeza de Vaca suffered some of the same indignities at the end of his career as Columbus. Of 600 men, only Cabeza de Vaca and three others survived the first journey. He was captured by the Karankawa but managed to gain a place in the Karankawa community, mainly due to his skill as a healer. In this capacity, he saw first hand the negative treatment of the Native Americans by the Spanish. He was arrested by other Spaniards for his defense of the Native Americans. On his second journey for Spain, he had hoped to improve the treatment of the Native Americans, but the Spanish colonists were more motivated by riches and removed him from his position.

Look at the assigned readings by Columbus and Cabeza de Vaca. They are both explorers, but they give very different information regarding their findings. Compare the readings in terms of content (what they considered important to relate). What major differences do you see in the accounts? What differences do you note of their interactions with the Native Americans? Do they both seem to be reliable narrators? Why or why not? Be sure to quote, cite, and reference from the text(s) using appropriate APA format. Your post must be at least 250 words.

Explanation / Answer

Christopher Columbus and Cabeza De Vaca are known for their expeditions and findings. Along these trips each explorer sent letters back to their home-land to give them updates on the discovery of new land. Columbus sailed a series of four voyages which is when he landed on the territories with the Native Americans. Through his expedition he only cared out becoming popular and gaining recognition from his discoveries. Which is why I don’t think Columbus is reliable but Cabeza de Vaca on the other hand is a reliable narrator. The only time Columbus was ready to report anything is when he found something “There are birds of many kinds and fruits in great diversity.” (Columbus, 1493/2013, pg.26) In other letters he composed was with whining and complaining about not feeling like his home-land gave him enough credit “Seven years I was at your royal court, where all to whom this undertaking was mentioned, unanimously declared it to be a delusion.” (Columbus, 1505/2013, pg.27) I think Cabeza de Vaca is more reliable because he understands the Natives struggles and even takes up for them. Cabeza de Vaca gives great details of his surroundings and even through his expedition Cabeza seem to have an interest more in the people than gold or any other value materials that could’ve been at sea. Cabeza de Vaca interactions was more supportive and respectful with the Indians. Vaca gain to realize these natives culture and customs. Through such customs such as “When Indian men get into an argument they fist-fight until exhausted… No matter what the disaffection , they do not resort to bows and arrows.”( Cabeza De Vaca, 1528 /2013, pg.33) With Cabeza de Vaca something he find important to relate is the loyalty the Indians provide to them which was his way to survive and prosper on his expedition. To conclude, Cabeza never tried to over exaggerate his findings like Columbus. Also he seems to carry a since of value/morals while the Christians and others tried to enslaved the Indians he didn’t like this act due to the fact the Indians helped him and he knew the Indians were genuinely good people.

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