The author argues that the destruction and defacement of monuments honoring Christopher Columbus are misguided responses to a complex historical context. This claim is supported by the evidence highlighting the significant impact of European disease transmission on Native American populations, stating that "smallpox... is estimated to have killed 70 to 80 percent of Native Americans," yet emphasizing that holding Columbus solely responsible is "beyond preposterous." The reasoning follows that the historical context of Columbus's time reveals a broader pattern of human behavior, demonstrating that while diseases had devastating effects, the complexities of history should not justify the vilification of individual figures without a nuanced understanding of their contributions and the circumstances of their actions.
write a three complete sentence response with it being the claim, evidence, and reasoning [1] Monuments honoring Christopher Columbus are being defaced and destroyed. This
year's Columbus Day celebrations will spark strong debate over the explorer's legacy,
but by looking at Columbus in the big picture of history, one can see today's
anti-Columbian fury is either misguided or part of a blind political agenda to demonize
early European activity in the New World.
[2] First, let's consider the matter of European disease transmission, principally
smallpox, which is estimated to have killed 70 to 80 percent of Native Americans. While
those numbers are staggering, the deaths happened over many decades. Holding
Columbus responsible is beyond preposterous. Further, calculating an actual number of
deaths is impossible because estimates of pre-Columbus populations vary enormously.
In Hispaniola, for example, the range runs from 250,000 to 3 million.
[3] It's also worth remembering all other epidemics. The Black Death, originating in
Central Asia, killed 40 percent or more of the European people — some 50 million souls
— between 1346 and 1353. This is a negative consequence of the interaction and
advancement of civilizations.
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[4] In the case of Columbus and later Spanish settlement in the Americas, let's
remember, the exchange of disease worked both ways. Most historians believe the
Great Pox epidemic that killed 5 million in Renaissance Europe came from the New
World.
[5] Next, consider the civilizations of the New World. They cannot be romanticized
because they have left behind great monuments. The earliest societies, such as the
Mayans, were as brutal in exploiting subject peoples as any other civilizations.
Diseases Aren't One Way
[10] Columbus was a product of his time. He was also a great explorer, an intrepid
adventurer, a man of fervent faith and a defiant leader who blazed a path to the modern
world. His admirable traits allowed him to rise above his human imperfections.
[11] He holds a special place in the minds of Italian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans.
These groups celebrate Columbus Day with parades and statues.
[12] Christopher Columbus also enjoys iconic status in the wider American mind. Parks,
playgrounds, streets, squares and schools pay tribute to him. Columbus was much
admired by our founders. The District of Columbia carries his name.
[13] No question, we must examine the accomplishments of Columbus. Doing so in the
proper context shows there's no justification in destroying, defacing or removing his
monuments — or in minimizing his legacy.
© Houston ISD Curriculum 2023-2024
[8] How could Francisco Pizarro conquer the great Inca Empire with fewer than 200
men? How did Hernando Cortes overwhelm the powerful Aztecs? Answer: They found
willing allies in subjugated, enslaved or rebellious native populations.
[9] European civilization has evolved, but 20th century wars, atrocities, genocide and
terrorism show humanity is still prone to the same savage impulses as Assyrians and
Aztecs.
Remember The Period In Which He Lived
6] Tourists love to visit the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan and the Mayan sites
close to resorts. So beautiful! So inspiring! So conveniently located! Not so beautiful if
you consider the human sacrifice that regularly occurred there.
[7] The later Aztec and Incan civilizations were no more humane. War, slavery and
human sacrifice were common and pre-dated 1492.
Short Constructed Response (SCR)
How does the author use logical appeals to develop his claim?
use evidence from the text in the evidence sentence
1 answer