what do you think ??

Question

Do you think Columbus really was a hero or was he only in it for the money, killing off native societies and not worthy of honor?

please explain I need a good arguement . I used google but Im still not sure.

Answer 1

How was he a hero? He didn't even realize where he was! Other explorers with brains were the ones who realized it was a new continent (or two). He only went there to explore new trade routes (i.e. make money). He paved the way for other explorers, but only by accident. And an accident doesn't make you a hero.

Answer 2

I think Columbus was courageous, and rightfully deserves a spot in history.

1. He is credited with discovering the Americas because he was the first one to place the discovery on the map, return with the news that another previously unknown land mass existed, with wondrous, and previously unknown people, flora, Fawnia, and animals. Although the vikings had a settlement in Greenland they had no idea that this was another Continent.

2. Flat world verses round world, Columbus proved without a doubt that the world was round. They had been speculation that the world was round since the time of Galileo but the church stuck firm that this was not the case and that the earth was the center of the universe. People were actually burned at the stake for hearsay for stating anything different but that which was the doctrine of the church. When Columbus theorized that he can reach the east by traveling west he knew the world was round he simply miscalculated the size of the planet.

3. As far as killing the natives. Columbus was not an advocate of exterminating the natives, while he was in the new world the natives were treated well, it was when the expedition separated that problems began. Columbus was very pleased with the discovery, others that traveled with him were out for wealth. Columbus only made 2 voyages to the new world, and was imprisoned upon his return from his second voyage. He was only one man who risked everything on his belief, and even through he discovered 2 new continents, he was imprisoned for it and can not be held accountable because the King of Spain, Portuagal, and the Catholic Church are more to blame for the expliotation of the New World.

Answer 3

First, let me say that no one in Columbus' time thought the earth was flat... that's an old fable (why they still teach that to kids, I don't know) - just an FYI.

I don't know that I'd call him a hero, per say, but his voyages were important, and should be recognized for the achievements made. During that period of time, no one was making the voyages for noble or prestige purposes (although having the king & queens favor was an asset). It was all about the money, and the European countries were dedicated to growing their purses, land holdings, trade routes, and power. I think the answer lies somewhere in between hero and not worthy of honor, as could be said of many of the other explorers.

Answer 4

There are two sides.
He is a hero for finding and showing wher america is, and we should be thankful for the possibility to be here.
But he wasn't becasue the killing of native americans was wrong becasue they were very friendly.

Answer 5

I don't really like him. He helped kill the native Americans even though they were being friendly. There was actually another dude thought to be responsible for discovering America but he did not know he did.