With the recently introduced aspect of perspective in history and the tendency to question the motives and actions of important figures in history, the case of Christopher Columbus requires complex understanding. In general, his input into the history and development of the word is fundamental and has no existing analogs. However, the consequences of his actions are still resonating the society today, with the situation in the Indian population. This essay will suggest how society should perceive Columbus’s negative personality and motives separately from his activities.
As in interpreting historical figures, both personality and deeds should take equal parts, in the case of Columbus, whose discoveries marked a historical turn in history, people should acknowledge both his motives and actions equally. Because of his importance as a person that provided spirituality into the New World and the fact that society nowadays still uses the fruits of his labor in the form of crops, his actions are positive. Columbus caused a significant leap in the development of the world and a wave of discoveries, but the desire for power drove his intentions. It is necessary to make current society familiar with the fact that Columbus was a brutal and cruel leader that forced people into religion, supported slave trading, and caused a spread of diseases among continents.
Nobody denies the fact that Columbus is one of the most influential people in the world’s history. However, in interpreting his personality, people should understand that his actions were driven mainly by negative motives. Due to the importance of his discoveries, society should primarily focus on his personality as a discoverer. However, at the same time, people should acknowledge Columbus’ personality as a brutal leader and governor and separate his true identity from the greatness of his achievements.