The Return Voyage

1493 - The Return to Europe from the Voyage of Discovery

By: Sienna M.

Red Group (D2B3)

Date: February 2, 2018

Date of Article: 1991

Headline: The Return Voyage- 1493

Author: Lorenzo Camusso

Source of the Article:

Three Vocabulary Words:

1. Armed: Equipped or carrying a weapon or weapons plural.
2. Cannibalism: Someone or thing that eats its own species.
3. Tribesmen: A man belonging to a tribe or traditional group.

Summary:

After 6 and a half weeks, the Pinta had arrived back from leaving Cuba. Though the captain of this ship was suspicious to Columbus, Columbus pretended to believe his reasons of leaving. But with this, Columbus decided it was time to go back to Spain as soon as possible. But, before they left a native came by with a black painted face, parrot feathers around his head, and was armed and ready for battle. This was shocking to Columbus, but he was aware about what he needed to do. Before the battle broke out between the two races, Columbus had traded items for some bows and arrows. So before Columbus and his crew were able to leave, a fight broke out. Though the Spaniards did win, it definitely set back their plans to go back to Spain, and wounded some of the crew. Once they got back on track, they headed “North East to East” as Columbus said to avoid contrasting winds. This plan did work, but the ships did land near islands controlled by the Portuguese. At the time, Spain and Portuguese were close to war, so it was not the best land to stop at. A storm had gone by taking away the Pinta and forcing Columbus to stop at these islands. Getting off the ship, many of the men of the crew were arrested for trespassing on this land. This news made Columbus more than upset and he was going to do something about it. After arguing repeatedly, Columbus convinced the Portuguese to let his crew go. The next part of the trip was long and hard, but finally, they ended up just a few miles away from the capital of Portugal.

Should Columbus Day be Changed to Indigenous People Day?

I have mixed feeling on the whole situation. While I do disagree of what Columbus did to the Natives and how he treated them, it is still heritage to Spaniards and Italians. To call Columbus a monster is a "Slap on the face-" to most Italians and some Spaniards . But all in all, I do believe that the name should be changed because it is offensive to any Native American. But, also because there were other explorers that came before him and made just as good as a discovery, but were not as appreciated.