Columbus's Complex Encounters: Motives and Misunderstandings

This chapter examines Christopher Columbus's motivations and expectations during his voyages, particularly his desire for riches and spices. It highlights his contentious interactions with indigenous peoples, especially the Caribs, and the resulting conflicts that arose from cultural misunderstandings and exploitation. The narrative critiques the moral implications of Columbus's actions and the violent aftermath of his expeditions, revealing the troubling legacy of his encounters in the New World.