How can we effectively sort objective history from myth and legend ?

…WE can start with a little brainstorming for our Exploration
Heroic … “traits”
Exceptional Attempt,
Risk+ Accomplishment
Bravery,
Worthy Cause
Positive Impact
Values Reinforced
Role Model Behaviors
Actions Justified
Villainous …”traits”
Needless harm inflicted
Damage was intentional
Callous + Selfish
Stealing from others
Negative Impact
Victims Exploited
Greed Rewarded
Hypocrisy Evident

Christopher Columbus
Hero
• humble background / religious
• successful pitchman for voyage
• daring adventurer / bravery
• successful risk taking exploration
• role model entrepreneur
• begins “Columbian Exchange”
• cultural diffusion + knowledge
•
Commercial Revolution launched
• literary / artistic impact on Renaissance
• individual “exceptionalism” epitomized
• Christianity replaces “pagan” worship
Christopher Columbus
• family relations = immorality
• greedy lust for fame + fortune
• tyranny over crew / distrustful
• deception with Native Americans
• brutality with Native Americans
• abysmal leadership in America
• example for later Conquistadores
• destruction of cultures / ethnicities
• prison time in Spain
• de las Casas criticisms / complaints

Sample questions:
1. Were the motives for the actions of Christopher Columbus honorable?
2. How much of a factor is the historic time period (1400s-1500’s) for criticism or praise for the legacy of Christopher Columbus ?
3. Who would most value / appreciate the Columbus Heroic p o v ?
Why ?
4. Who would be most offended by the Columbus legacy ?
Why ?

Applying Tension Model Concepts:
1. Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative motives.
2. Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative outcomes.
3. Columbus’ legacy is disputed based on the values of the observer.
4. A “TENSION” loaded thesis p o v would include the counter-argument but be certain to more substantially support their stronger convictions with historic evidence and sound rationale.
…after weighing the evidence in a thoughtful discussion / analysis…
… write your P o V as a tension loaded thesis statement.

Tension Loaded Thesis Statements: … 2 typical resulting p o v s
…please note … the “counter-argument is conceded 1 st … then the “stronger conviction is delivered 2 nd
1.
Although Christopher Columbus has been labeled a diabolical villain responsible for the downfall of primitive Meso-American cultures, his greater heroic historic legacy is richly supported by the notable spread of Western Institutions imbued with respect for individual rights and achievement.
2. Despite the increase in European wealth and cultural diffusion precipitated by the voyages of Christopher Columbus, the more accurate historic legacy is a villainous “Black Legend” of
Spanish conquest, tantamount to a genocide of Native American ethnicities, cultures, and civilizations.

It seems the Columbus Legend is nearly mythical…
…so much change was set in motion by his actions there is a tendency for hyperbole, overstatement, etc…
…European Conquest meant so much to the course of
World History…Columbus’ actions receive added attention relative to other factors causing dynamic shifts and upheaval…