What did Columbus assume about American Indians when he first encountered them in 1492? Check all of the boxes that apply.

Question

that American Indians were friendly and wanted to trade

that American Indians would not be easily conquered

that American Indians had no religion and would be willing to become Christians

that American Indians were simple

Answer 1

When Columbus first encountered American Indians in 1492, he made several assumptions about them. The applicable boxes based on historical accounts are:

• that American Indians were friendly and wanted to trade
• that American Indians had no religion and would be willing to become Christians
• that American Indians were simple

While Columbus did recognize the potential for conquest, he did not initially assume that American Indians would not be easily conquered; thus, the second option may not apply based on his early impressions and subsequent actions.