Was Columbus A Hero?

Words: 251
Pages: 2

Growing up, Columbus was portrayed as a hero. However, we were not taught the truth. So, Zinn is correct by saying there have been ideological distortions. We were not taught that Columbus was fueled to find gold, or the genocide he brought forth to the indigenous people and how he was concerned in appeasing the nobles of Europe. Columbus was deeply motivated to find gold. By discovering gold and other valuable resources, Columbus would be set, as Zinn says, “In return of bringing back gold and spices, they promised Columbus 10 percent of the profits, governorship over new-found lands, and the fame that would go with a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea.” Zinn page 2. Bringing gold back to Spain would make Columbus richer and help his social