US/VA History
Unit 1 – Topic 1
Name: __________________________
Should we celebrate Columbus Day?
In a few weeks, you will get a day off from school to celebrate Columbus Day. Columbus Day was
created as an official holiday at the time of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ “discovery” of America in
1892. By the time of the 500th anniversary, in 1992, things had changed – many Native American groups
held huge protests against the holiday. Today, many Americans (especially in cities with large ItalianAmerican populations) celebrate the holiday as a part of their cultural heritage and national pride.
Some cities, on the other hand, have replaced Columbus Day parades with Indigenous Peoples’ Day
celebrations of Native American culture and heritage. The holiday has become a controversial issue in
many cities. So what are we actually celebrating on Columbus Day, and should it still be a national
holiday?
At the beginning of the next class, you will participate in a debate on whether we should celebrate
Columbus Day. You will either argue FOR Columbus Day, AGAINST Columbus Day, or you will serve as a
debate judge, who will get to ask clarifying questions of each debater and then decide the winner of the
debate. You will not know until the debate which role you will have, so prepare for them all.
In class today (after your diagnostic test….sorry about that), you will prepare for the debate. The
following sites should provide all you need, but feel free to do your own research as well. Complete the
chart listing the top 4-5 arguments for each position. Be prepared to make a counter-argument, as you
will have a chance to respond to the opposing side. To prepare for the judge role, come up with at least
two tough questions to ask of each side.
You do not need to cite any information that you get from the sources listed here, but be sure to cite
any additional sources you use (URLs are fine for this). For any site, make sure you evaluate the source.
Why might this group or author be for or against the holiday?
1. Start by checking out what your textbook teaches about this. (hint – not much) Skim the first
two pages here: http://www.mrlocke.com/US_History/book_files/1.2_pg14_20.pdf
2. The Victoria Advocate: This brief background articles has a link to both a “pro” and a “con”
opinion:
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2013/oct/06/pro_con_intro_columbus_sl_100713_22
1170/
3. The Columbus Controversy Packet: This pdf has two “for” articles followed by two “against”
articles: https://scvandy.wikispaces.com/file/view/The+Columbus+controversy+packet.pdf
4. From the Order of the Sons of Italy in America (FOR):
https://www.osia.org/documents/Celebrate_Col_Day.pdf
5. An Open Letter From the AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT of Colorado and Our Allies
(AGAINST): http://www.indians.org/welker/byecolum.htm
US/VA History
Unit 1 – Topic 1
Name: __________________________
Complete this chart using the links above. You may write or type. I will collect this after the debate.
4-5 Arguments FOR celebrating Columbus Day
2 Judges’ questions to ask the “FOR” side:
4-5 Arguments AGAINST celebrating Columbus Day
2 Judges’ questions to ask the “AGAINST” side:
US/VA History
Unit 1 – Topic 1
Name: __________________________
Post-Debate Wrap-Up: Should we celebrate Columbus Day?
Answer the first 2 questions in 2-3 complete sentences. Write a paragraph to answer
Question #3.
1. What did you think was the strongest, or most persuasive argument for the “YES, we should
celebrate it” side? Why was it persuasive?
2. What did you think was the strongest, or most persuasive argument for the “NO, we should
not celebrate it” side? Why was it persuasive?
3. So what do YOU think? Should we celebrate Columbus Day? Answer this question in a wellorganized paragraph. Be sure to explain your reasoning and acknowledge the other side. Do
not use 1st person.