Question

Read your textbook's “Sources from the Past” section on Christopher Columbus’ first impressions of American peoples. Answer the question at the end of the section.

Answer 1

Answer:

The question refers to Colombus' impressions of peoples and land. The answer is:

Colombus believed that it would be very easy to convince people to convert to Christianity. He also believed that the natives would be easily forced to serve the interests of the crown and claimed that the land had great economic potential and could be exploited.

Explanation:

Upon arriving in the American continent, Colombus was impressed by the size of the place and the number of natives that already occupied these lands. He saw great economic potential in the American territory for the Spanish crown and was quick to write about his discoveries.

He claimed that the territory was extensive, with a large number of trees, fruits and animals that could be exploited and generate great wealth for the Spanish crown. In addition, he predicted that this exploitation would have a small economic expense, since it would be possible to conquer and enslave the natives, forcing them to work towards Spanish objectives. He also said that these peoples would be easily converted to Christianity, calling for exploitation to be cursed.