The Agenda
Is it true that Columbus was a slave runner?
Absolutely! On his first journey, Columbus kidnaped some 10-25 Arawak natives and took them back to Spain. Out of the 25, only seven arrived alive along with birds, gold nuggets and other exotica. After bearing witness to this, Queen Isabella provided Columbus with 17 ships, 1,500 men, cannons, crossbows, guns and attack dogs for the second voyage. Columbus’ new mission was to conquer the docile West. When Columbus returned to Haiti and the Americas in 1493, he took grain, gold, cotton, whatever the natives had, including the women! To ensure cooperation, Columbus used punishment by example. Whenever a native refused to cooperate, his ear or nose would be cut off. The disfigured person was then sent back to his village as living evidence. After a while, the natives had enough and resisted against Columbus. The Arawaks’ resistance gave Columbus an excuse to make war in which he was well armed. On March 25, 1495, Columbus set out to destroy the natives. Columbus organized 200 foot soldiers and 20 calvaries with crossbows, cannons, lances, swords, horses and hunting dogs which were set loose on small children. The dogs tore the children's bellies open and ripped them apart. The natives were chased into bushes where wooden skewers awaited them. Those natives that were not killed were captured, raped and then beheaded. Having yet found no gold, Columbus did return some small amounts of wealth to the political monarch of Spain. In 1495, Columbus initiated a slave raid by rounding up 1,500 Arawaks and selected 500 of the best specimens (which 200 died en route to Spain). Another 500 were taken as slaves for Columbus’ men who stayed in Haiti. A reign of terror began where Columbus began hunting natives for dog food. Columbus was upset that he still had not located the gold in which he was certain he would find.
Absolutely! On his first journey, Columbus kidnaped some 10-25 Arawak natives and took them back to Spain. Out of the 25, only seven arrived alive along with birds, gold nuggets and other exotica. After bearing witness to this, Queen Isabella provided Columbus with 17 ships, 1,500 men, cannons, crossbows, guns and attack dogs for the second voyage. Columbus’ new mission was to conquer the docile West. When Columbus returned to Haiti and the Americas in 1493, he took grain, gold, cotton, whatever the natives had, including the women! To ensure cooperation, Columbus used punishment by example. Whenever a native refused to cooperate, his ear or nose would be cut off. The disfigured person was then sent back to his village as living evidence. After a while, the natives had enough and resisted against Columbus. The Arawaks’ resistance gave Columbus an excuse to make war in which he was well armed. On March 25, 1495, Columbus set out to destroy the natives. Columbus organized 200 foot soldiers and 20 calvaries with crossbows, cannons, lances, swords, horses and hunting dogs which were set loose on small children. The dogs tore the children's bellies open and ripped them apart. The natives were chased into bushes where wooden skewers awaited them. Those natives that were not killed were captured, raped and then beheaded. Having yet found no gold, Columbus did return some small amounts of wealth to the political monarch of Spain. In 1495, Columbus initiated a slave raid by rounding up 1,500 Arawaks and selected 500 of the best specimens (which 200 died en route to Spain). Another 500 were taken as slaves for Columbus’ men who stayed in Haiti. A reign of terror began where Columbus began hunting natives for dog food. Columbus was upset that he still had not located the gold in which he was certain he would find.
The cutting off of Native's hands by the Spanish
Letter from Columbus to the Queen and King (1494)
Most High and Mighty Sovereigns, In obedience to your Highness' commands, and with submission to superior judgment, I will say whatever occurs to me in reference to the colonization and commerce of the Island of Espanola, and of the other islands, both those already discovered and those that may be discovered hereafter. In the first place, as regards the Island of Espanola: Inasmuch as the number of colonists who desire to go thither amounts to two thousand, owing to the land being safer and better for farming and trading, and because it will serve as a place to which they can return and from which they can carry on trade with the neighboring islands. That in the said island there shall be founded three or four towns, situated in the most convenient places, and that the settlers who are there be assigned to the aforesaid places and towns. That for the better and more speedy colonization of the said island, no one shall have liberty to collect gold in it except those who have taken out colonists' papers, and have built houses for their abode, in the town in which they are, that they may live united and in greater safety. That each town shall have its alcalde [Mayor] ... and its notary public, as is the use and custom in Castile.
That there shall be a church, and parish priests or friars to administer the sacraments, to perform divine worship, and for the conversion of the Indians. That none of the colonists shall go to seek gold without a license from the governor or alcalde of the town where he lives; and that he must first take oath to return to the place whence he sets out, for the purpose of registering faithfully all the gold he may have found, and to return once a month, or once a week, as the time may have been set for him, to render account and show the quantity of said gold; and that this shall be written down by the notary before the aIcalde, or, if it seems better, that a friar or priest, deputed for the purpose, shall be also present That all the gold thus brought in shall be smelted immediately, and stamped with some mark that shall distinguish each town; and that the portion which belongs to your Highness shall be weighed, and given and consigned to each alcalde in his own town, and registered by the above mentioned priest or friar, so that it shall not pass through the hands of only one person, and there shall he no opportunity to conceal the truth. That all gold that may be found without the mark of one of the said towns in the possession of any one who has once registered in accordance with the above order shall be taken as forfeited, and that the accuser shall have one portion of it and your Highness the other. That one per centum of all the gold that may be found shall be set aside for building churches and adorning the same, and for the support of the priests or friars belonging to them; and, if it should be thought proper to pay any thing to the alcaldes or notaries for their services, or for ensuring the faithful perforce of their duties, that this amount shall be sent to the governor or treasurer who may be appointed there by your Highness.
As regards the division of the gold, and the share that ought to be reserved for your Highness, this, in my opinion, must be left to the aforesaid governor and treasurer, because it will have to be greater or less according to the quantity of gold that may be found. Or, should it seem preferable, your Highness might, for the space of one year, take one half, and the collector the other, and a better arrangement for the division be made afterward. That if the said alcaldes or notaries shall commit or be privy to any fraud, punishment shall be provided, and the same for the colonists who shall not have declared all the gold they have. That in the said island there shall be a treasurer, with a clerk to assist him, who shall receive all the gold belonging to your Highness, and the alcaldes and notaries of the towns shall each keep a record of what they deliver to the said treasurer. As, in the eagerness to get gold, every one will wish, naturally, to engage in its search in preference to any other employment, it seems to me that the privilege of going to look for gold ought to be withheld during some portion of each year, that there may be opportunity to have the other business necessary for the island performed.
In regard to the discovery of new countries, I think permission should be granted to all that wish to go, and more liberality used in the matter of the fifth, making the tax easier, in some fair way, in order that many may be disposed to go on voyages. I will now give my opinion about ships going to the said Island of Espanola, and the order that should be maintained; and that is, that the said ships should only be allowed to discharge in one or two ports designated for the purpose, and should register there whatever cargo they bring or unload; and when the time for their departure comes, that they should sail from these same ports, and register all the cargo they take in, that nothing may be concealed. In reference to the transportation of gold from the island to Castile, that all of it should be taken on board the ship, both that belonging to your Highness and the property of every one else; that it should all be placed in one chest with two locks, with their keys, and that the master of the vessel keep one key and some person selected by the governor and treasurer the other; that there should come with the gold, for a testimony, a list of all that has been put into the said chest, properly marked, so that each owner may receive his own; and that, for the faithful performance of this duty, if any gold whatsoever is found outside of the said chest in any way, be it little or much, it shall be forfeited to your Highness.
That all the ships that come from the said island shall be obliged to make their proper discharge in the port of Cadiz, and that no person shall disembark or other person be permitted to go on board until the ship has been visited by the person or persons deputed for that purpose, in the said city, by your Highness, to whom the master shall show all that he carries, and exhibit the manifest of all the cargo, it may be seen and examined if the said ship brings any thing hidden and not known at the time of lading. That the chest in which the said gold has been carried shall be opened in the presence of the magistrates of the said city of Cadiz, and of the person deputed for that purpose by your Highness, and his own property be given to each owner. I beg your Highness to hold me in your protection; and I remain, praying our Lord God for your Highness' lives and the increase of much greater States.
Most High and Mighty Sovereigns, In obedience to your Highness' commands, and with submission to superior judgment, I will say whatever occurs to me in reference to the colonization and commerce of the Island of Espanola, and of the other islands, both those already discovered and those that may be discovered hereafter. In the first place, as regards the Island of Espanola: Inasmuch as the number of colonists who desire to go thither amounts to two thousand, owing to the land being safer and better for farming and trading, and because it will serve as a place to which they can return and from which they can carry on trade with the neighboring islands. That in the said island there shall be founded three or four towns, situated in the most convenient places, and that the settlers who are there be assigned to the aforesaid places and towns. That for the better and more speedy colonization of the said island, no one shall have liberty to collect gold in it except those who have taken out colonists' papers, and have built houses for their abode, in the town in which they are, that they may live united and in greater safety. That each town shall have its alcalde [Mayor] ... and its notary public, as is the use and custom in Castile.
That there shall be a church, and parish priests or friars to administer the sacraments, to perform divine worship, and for the conversion of the Indians. That none of the colonists shall go to seek gold without a license from the governor or alcalde of the town where he lives; and that he must first take oath to return to the place whence he sets out, for the purpose of registering faithfully all the gold he may have found, and to return once a month, or once a week, as the time may have been set for him, to render account and show the quantity of said gold; and that this shall be written down by the notary before the aIcalde, or, if it seems better, that a friar or priest, deputed for the purpose, shall be also present That all the gold thus brought in shall be smelted immediately, and stamped with some mark that shall distinguish each town; and that the portion which belongs to your Highness shall be weighed, and given and consigned to each alcalde in his own town, and registered by the above mentioned priest or friar, so that it shall not pass through the hands of only one person, and there shall he no opportunity to conceal the truth. That all gold that may be found without the mark of one of the said towns in the possession of any one who has once registered in accordance with the above order shall be taken as forfeited, and that the accuser shall have one portion of it and your Highness the other. That one per centum of all the gold that may be found shall be set aside for building churches and adorning the same, and for the support of the priests or friars belonging to them; and, if it should be thought proper to pay any thing to the alcaldes or notaries for their services, or for ensuring the faithful perforce of their duties, that this amount shall be sent to the governor or treasurer who may be appointed there by your Highness.
As regards the division of the gold, and the share that ought to be reserved for your Highness, this, in my opinion, must be left to the aforesaid governor and treasurer, because it will have to be greater or less according to the quantity of gold that may be found. Or, should it seem preferable, your Highness might, for the space of one year, take one half, and the collector the other, and a better arrangement for the division be made afterward. That if the said alcaldes or notaries shall commit or be privy to any fraud, punishment shall be provided, and the same for the colonists who shall not have declared all the gold they have. That in the said island there shall be a treasurer, with a clerk to assist him, who shall receive all the gold belonging to your Highness, and the alcaldes and notaries of the towns shall each keep a record of what they deliver to the said treasurer. As, in the eagerness to get gold, every one will wish, naturally, to engage in its search in preference to any other employment, it seems to me that the privilege of going to look for gold ought to be withheld during some portion of each year, that there may be opportunity to have the other business necessary for the island performed.
In regard to the discovery of new countries, I think permission should be granted to all that wish to go, and more liberality used in the matter of the fifth, making the tax easier, in some fair way, in order that many may be disposed to go on voyages. I will now give my opinion about ships going to the said Island of Espanola, and the order that should be maintained; and that is, that the said ships should only be allowed to discharge in one or two ports designated for the purpose, and should register there whatever cargo they bring or unload; and when the time for their departure comes, that they should sail from these same ports, and register all the cargo they take in, that nothing may be concealed. In reference to the transportation of gold from the island to Castile, that all of it should be taken on board the ship, both that belonging to your Highness and the property of every one else; that it should all be placed in one chest with two locks, with their keys, and that the master of the vessel keep one key and some person selected by the governor and treasurer the other; that there should come with the gold, for a testimony, a list of all that has been put into the said chest, properly marked, so that each owner may receive his own; and that, for the faithful performance of this duty, if any gold whatsoever is found outside of the said chest in any way, be it little or much, it shall be forfeited to your Highness.
That all the ships that come from the said island shall be obliged to make their proper discharge in the port of Cadiz, and that no person shall disembark or other person be permitted to go on board until the ship has been visited by the person or persons deputed for that purpose, in the said city, by your Highness, to whom the master shall show all that he carries, and exhibit the manifest of all the cargo, it may be seen and examined if the said ship brings any thing hidden and not known at the time of lading. That the chest in which the said gold has been carried shall be opened in the presence of the magistrates of the said city of Cadiz, and of the person deputed for that purpose by your Highness, and his own property be given to each owner. I beg your Highness to hold me in your protection; and I remain, praying our Lord God for your Highness' lives and the increase of much greater States.
You mentioned that Columbus was sending payment back to Spain. What type of payment was he sending back?
Columbus’ son, Ferdinand, had set up a tribute system where the natives promised to pay a tribute to the Catholic sovereigns every three months. Every person over 14 years of age had to pay a large hawks bell of gold dust from the gold mine. All others were to pay 25 pounds of cotton. Anyone who did not cooperate with the system were decapitated at the hands. The system eventually failed because its demands were impossible for the natives to live up to. Columbus then replaced the system with what he called “The Encomieda System”, in which he commanded the entire native villages to individual groups of colonists. Since it was not considered slavery but indentured servitude, it was not looked upon as immoral by the religious orders of Europe. This system opened the doors for slavery in Mexico, Peru and Florida, which was introduced by the Conquistadors. This system caused an incredible depopulation of Native Americans. Native American population decreased from 60,000 natives in 1492 to 4,000 in 1516. As a result of suffering, many natives committed mass suicide by the hundreds. Pregnant women aborted their own fetuses. Others, after delivery, killed their children with their own hands to spare them of an oppressive slavery. Some natives managed to escape to Cuba but were soon followed. According to Benjamin Keen, “Thanks to the sinister Indian slave trade and labor politics initiated by Columbus, fewer than 200 natives inhabited Haiti by 1555.”
How many slaves did Columbus take back to Spain?
Columbus was the very first man known in history to send the first slaves across the Atlantic and to spread capitalism. Make no mistake that he was not the first to discover America but was the first slave runner. This is why he is idolized by America and Europe and is the 'Father of Capitalism.' Other nations rushed to emulate Columbus. In 1501, the Portuguese began to depopulate the Beotuk Indians to Cape Verde as slaves. Charleston, South Carolina became a major port for exporting Indians slaves. The Pilgrims and Puritans (Dutch settlers now referred to as Amish) sold survivors of the Pequot war into slavery in Bermuda in 1637. The French shipped the entire Natchez Nation in chains to the West Indies in 1731. In 1715, the British double-crossed the Yamasee and took them as slaves in Georgia. The most disgusting aspect of Columbus’ slave raid was his 1493 expedition to the Carib Islands where he rewarded his crew with Indian women to make as sex slaves. The slave trade destroyed entire Indian nations. Because thousands of Indians died, this led to the massive slave trade across the Atlantic to Africa to replace the dead Indians. The first African slave raid took place in 1505 and was spearheaded by Columbus’ son. History does not capture the true story of Columbus. He is depicted as a role model who discovered the West and made friends with the Indians. Columbus is responsible for not only the depopulation of Native Americas, but if it wasn't for the slavery of Western natives, there would have never been slavery of the Africans.
Did Columbus ever find the gold?
In 1499, Columbus finally found gold in Haiti in significant amounts. However, the Portuguese, French and British joined in on the conquering of the West. These nations were not as brutal as Columbus and the Spaniards. The French did not make the natives carry them around on their backs like horses. The British did not colonize America by forcing Indian slave labor, but simply pushed the natives out of the way where they migrated to Mexico and Florida.
Columbus’ son, Ferdinand, had set up a tribute system where the natives promised to pay a tribute to the Catholic sovereigns every three months. Every person over 14 years of age had to pay a large hawks bell of gold dust from the gold mine. All others were to pay 25 pounds of cotton. Anyone who did not cooperate with the system were decapitated at the hands. The system eventually failed because its demands were impossible for the natives to live up to. Columbus then replaced the system with what he called “The Encomieda System”, in which he commanded the entire native villages to individual groups of colonists. Since it was not considered slavery but indentured servitude, it was not looked upon as immoral by the religious orders of Europe. This system opened the doors for slavery in Mexico, Peru and Florida, which was introduced by the Conquistadors. This system caused an incredible depopulation of Native Americans. Native American population decreased from 60,000 natives in 1492 to 4,000 in 1516. As a result of suffering, many natives committed mass suicide by the hundreds. Pregnant women aborted their own fetuses. Others, after delivery, killed their children with their own hands to spare them of an oppressive slavery. Some natives managed to escape to Cuba but were soon followed. According to Benjamin Keen, “Thanks to the sinister Indian slave trade and labor politics initiated by Columbus, fewer than 200 natives inhabited Haiti by 1555.”
How many slaves did Columbus take back to Spain?
Columbus was the very first man known in history to send the first slaves across the Atlantic and to spread capitalism. Make no mistake that he was not the first to discover America but was the first slave runner. This is why he is idolized by America and Europe and is the 'Father of Capitalism.' Other nations rushed to emulate Columbus. In 1501, the Portuguese began to depopulate the Beotuk Indians to Cape Verde as slaves. Charleston, South Carolina became a major port for exporting Indians slaves. The Pilgrims and Puritans (Dutch settlers now referred to as Amish) sold survivors of the Pequot war into slavery in Bermuda in 1637. The French shipped the entire Natchez Nation in chains to the West Indies in 1731. In 1715, the British double-crossed the Yamasee and took them as slaves in Georgia. The most disgusting aspect of Columbus’ slave raid was his 1493 expedition to the Carib Islands where he rewarded his crew with Indian women to make as sex slaves. The slave trade destroyed entire Indian nations. Because thousands of Indians died, this led to the massive slave trade across the Atlantic to Africa to replace the dead Indians. The first African slave raid took place in 1505 and was spearheaded by Columbus’ son. History does not capture the true story of Columbus. He is depicted as a role model who discovered the West and made friends with the Indians. Columbus is responsible for not only the depopulation of Native Americas, but if it wasn't for the slavery of Western natives, there would have never been slavery of the Africans.
Did Columbus ever find the gold?
In 1499, Columbus finally found gold in Haiti in significant amounts. However, the Portuguese, French and British joined in on the conquering of the West. These nations were not as brutal as Columbus and the Spaniards. The French did not make the natives carry them around on their backs like horses. The British did not colonize America by forcing Indian slave labor, but simply pushed the natives out of the way where they migrated to Mexico and Florida.
The African route to the West
So it's safe to call Columbus a racist?
Among other things, Columbus was an alcoholic and a homosexual who was fond of the native men in which, according to personal logs he found excitement in watching the naked native men. Columbus stated that the natives were the finest specimen of men that he had ever seen. Columbus’ logs reflect an increasing racism. Columbus referred the natives as cruel and stupid, “A people warlike and numerous whose customs and religion is inferior to ours.” Columbus was also responsible for the spreading of small pox and syphilis, not only in America but in Spain where many natives and Spaniards died. U.S. imperialist love Columbus. They have named cities, counties, towns, rivers, colleges, parks, streets and even the capital of the United States after him.
You mentioned that Columbus was also responsible for the African slave trade. Please explain in detail.
As stated before, when the natives of the Americas began dying and committing suicide, the labor was replaced with slaves from the Sahara in West Africa. Also, the gold and silver that Columbus extracted from the West fueled a 400% inflation that eroded the economies of most non-European countries and helped Europe to develop a global market system and Africa suffered. The Trans-Saharan trade collapsed because America supplied more gold and silver than the African West Coast. African traders now only had one commodity that Europe wanted, slaves! African Arabs thus sold their own people into slavery for such things as Spanish wine and bottles of rum. These bloody atrocities left a legacy of genocide and slavery that history books seem to want to rewrite. History would rather indoctrinate us with mindless endorsements of colonialism that's nothing more than a myth to perpetuate European superiority.
Among other things, Columbus was an alcoholic and a homosexual who was fond of the native men in which, according to personal logs he found excitement in watching the naked native men. Columbus stated that the natives were the finest specimen of men that he had ever seen. Columbus’ logs reflect an increasing racism. Columbus referred the natives as cruel and stupid, “A people warlike and numerous whose customs and religion is inferior to ours.” Columbus was also responsible for the spreading of small pox and syphilis, not only in America but in Spain where many natives and Spaniards died. U.S. imperialist love Columbus. They have named cities, counties, towns, rivers, colleges, parks, streets and even the capital of the United States after him.
You mentioned that Columbus was also responsible for the African slave trade. Please explain in detail.
As stated before, when the natives of the Americas began dying and committing suicide, the labor was replaced with slaves from the Sahara in West Africa. Also, the gold and silver that Columbus extracted from the West fueled a 400% inflation that eroded the economies of most non-European countries and helped Europe to develop a global market system and Africa suffered. The Trans-Saharan trade collapsed because America supplied more gold and silver than the African West Coast. African traders now only had one commodity that Europe wanted, slaves! African Arabs thus sold their own people into slavery for such things as Spanish wine and bottles of rum. These bloody atrocities left a legacy of genocide and slavery that history books seem to want to rewrite. History would rather indoctrinate us with mindless endorsements of colonialism that's nothing more than a myth to perpetuate European superiority.