Christopher Columbus: Hero or Villain? Social Studies 8

History Detectives Evidence Task Force Activity

Evidence…

CRIMES AGAINST THIS SUSPECT: Murder Rapist Slave Trader Genocide Thief Lied to the King and Queen of Spain

But how is this possible!? This person has quite the history… The United States has a National Holiday named after this man where they celebrate his successes every year! There is an annual parade for this person! He is credited for ‘discovering’ the New World! The King and Queen of Spain gave him 1700 men and more ships to continue what he was doing! (Why??) He was named Governor of the new land he ‘discovered’! So who is this suspect?? _________________________ 

Christopher Columbus

What did he actually look like What did he actually look like? No one knows… he never sat for a portrait!

‘Evidence’ Quotes or sections from stories discussing each of the crimes against him Pictures (to make inferences in the group and generate questions, create wonder and engagement) Fact Sheet including key points: Columbus NEVER landed on American soil – EVER. He arrived in present day Haiti/Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Cuba. When Columbus reached land, 2 of his 3 ships got stuck on the coral reefs and had to be rescued by the Arawak Natives. He was eventually arrested and sent back to Spain where he served 1o years in prison.

Final Evidence Report and Verdict: Is Christopher Columbus a Hero or a Villain?