The People vs. Christopher Columbus
Objective: Identify the causes and affects of the Columbian Exchange and it's benefits and negative aspects.
Christopher Columbus is accused of genocide (the murder of a whole race of people) for his role in
the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange brought about many things which are
important parts of our lives, but it also brought death and destruction to millions of people. You
have been assigned the role of attorneys (lawyers) you must make a case for and against
Christopher Columbus. Should he be considered a hero or a criminal for "discovering America"
and starting the Columbian Exchange and the many things which followed? You must complete
the three steps below showing your understanding of Columbus’ actions and choose an activity to
present you conclusion to the class.
Step 1:
Find evidence from your textbook and other sources which highlight the positive results of
Christopher Columbus's "discovery", summarize in at least 2 paragraphs.
Step 2:
Find evidence from your textbook and other sources which highlight the negative results of
Christopher Columbus's "discovery", summarize in at least 2 paragraphs.
Step 3:
Select one of the activities below in order to present your conclusion to the class. The activity you
choose will have its own specific guidelines to follow and you may have to personally present your
conclusion to the class. The final product from your activity of choice will describe whether or not
Christopher Columbus should be seen as a hero or a villain in history.
1. Write a two page essay explaining your conclusion of Christopher Columbus
being a hero or villain in history. Use as much detail as needed to explain your
position.
2. Create a poster depicting your conclusion of Christopher Columbus being a hero
or villain in history. Be sure to include examples in the poster (not just words)
that support the conclusion that you come up with.
3. Create a video explaining the conclusion of Christopher Columbus being a hero or
a villain in history. The video must show or reenact examples that support the
conclusion that you have come up with. NOTE: ALL VIDEOS WILL BE
SHOWN IN CLASS
4. Create a diorama describing they conclusion of Christopher Columbus being a
hero or a villain in history. The diorama must include examples that support the
conclusion that you have come up with.
5. Write a persuasive speech explaining the conclusion of Christopher Columbus
being a hero or villain in history. The speech must include details that support the
conclusion that you have come up with.
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