1. 1493: Columbus Stole All He Could See

2. Uh oh… Disclaimer: This lesson will turn your understanding of Columbus upside down. However, Mr. McLaughlin does not encourage hatred or rebellion against anyone or anything. (except for bad history) Seeking new perspective, not to throw dirt on anyone (post modern history- Jess Noll knows about this one)

3. Columbus and the Natives (p. 36) Could conquer the island with 50 men Sent slaves back to Spain- “thank you for the investment” Columbus killed or enslaved Natives that would not accept Roman Catholicism Beginning of slave trade “The Requirement”- promises war and death if Natives don’t convert

4. Paying Tribute (p 56) If the Natives provide gold or 25 pounds of cotton they receive a copper token necklace If they could not pay tribute had their hands chopped off Decimated Native economy, society, and politics Impossible to sustain, Natives died too quickly

5. Encomienda System Spanish first trade useless items for gold, even though Columbus said “No” Native Village granted to Colonist Essentially slavery Spanish made Natives mine for gold, plant cash crops, literally carry them places

6. Native Reaction Can’t farm or live when you need to mine or grow cash crops Suicide Jumping from cliffs Women kill their children Ran into the woods to escape Fight against the Europeans Carab population drops from 250,000 to 500 in 1550

7. Making War Canons, horses, disease, attack dogs to subdue Natives Hunted humans for sport Raped women Disfigured Natives for slight or no infraction- sent back to village as a warning

8. How did this happen… Cognitive dissonance theory Belief that Europeans are superior, Roman Catholicism is superior, whites are superior Not enough opposition to outweigh the $ Bartolome de las Casas- Spanish priest who tried to reform Spanish practices