The Legacy of Columbus:
Document-Based Question Essay
This question is based on the accompanying documents. It is designed to test your ability to work with historical documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of the question. As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.
*Historical Context:
Backed by Spain, Christopher Columbus left Europe in 1492 on his first voyage seeking a western sea route to Asia. After more than a month, his crew was losing hope and the voyage seemed like a failure when on October 12, 1492, the crew finally sighted land. Though he did not know this at the time, Columbus and his men did not reach Asia. He was actually on an island in the Caribbean Sea, thousands of miles away from his intended destination. There he met the Native Americans of the islands. His encounters with and treatment of these native people would help shape his legacy and would also surround him with controversy.
*Should Columbus be considered one of histories’ villains or should he be valued as a hero for his contributions to the West?
*Task:
Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of social studies, answer the questions that follow each document in Part A. Your answers to the questions will help you write.
Evaluate the legacy of Christopher Columbus. Was he a hero or a villain?
· Identify and discuss various perspectives depicting Columbus as a hero OR
· Identify and discuss various perspectives depicting Columbus as a villain.
· Evaluate the legacy of Christopher Columbus. Make a claim on your own perspective. Is he a hero or a villain?
· Support your answer using evidence directly from the documents and your knowledge of history
*Locate all 8 documents in Part A on pages on right side of screen! |
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