People's History: Columbus (Chapter 1)
Music: Mixed Choir
| (Al Cirton rap) | (recitation by Barb) |
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Summary From newfound land Columbus told of fertile lands and hills of gold and gentle people, strong and free and suitable for slavery. Chapter In fourteen-ninety-two Columbus reached a land he called Hispaniola (Cuba). On the sand appeared a peaceful people, bearing gifts, not arms: the Arawak, whose gentle strength and native charms would make "fine servants." In Columbus' prompt report to Spain, he spoke of gold and slaves, and he'd exhort the queen for help, and praise the Holy Trinity for his deliverance. And by a strict decree the "Indians" (he thought he reached the Orient) would labor in the mines, because the main intent was sending back the precious ore to justify the exploration. They would strip the mines and die from overwork, and those unable to produce the gold would have their hands cut off. And the abuse drove men to swallow poison, and the mothers killed their babies as the goals of commerce were fulfilled. |