NOTE: WRITE IN 2 PAGES
Please read Ch. 2 Historical Setting in Kathleen Deagan’s book, Columbus’s Outpost Among the Taino. It is an e-book in Oviatt library.
You can read the whole chapter if you want, but you’re only required to read pp.13-22
FYI, Columbus, the priest Bartolome de las Casas and several others who participated in the expedition to Hispaniola wrote accounts of what happened during Spain’s colonization of the Taino indians, the native people of this part of the Caribbean. In this and subsequent readings you will read an account of what was happening in Hispaniola based on their writings so that we can better understand who the Taino were and what led to their violent subjugation by the Spanish.
1.) Before you do the reading, please look up Hispaniola and write down what the contemporary name of this caribbean island is. Also include a link to a map that shows its location and describe what other islands are nearby and which U.S. state is closest.
2.) Please answer the following questions based on the reading:
-What’s your gut reaction?
-What were Queen Isabella’s instructions to Columbus about how to conduct this colonizing expedition?
-What is Columbus’ first impression of the Taino people and what is it based on? Include the names of the Taino leaders mentioned. What is his relationship with the Taino?
-Give the numbers of ships and people Columbus brought on his second voyage to Hispaniola? Specifiy the social classes of people included and their occupations, as well as some of the noteworthy products they brought with them.
