2.2.4 More About Historical Documents
Completion requirements
2.2.4 More about Historical Documents
Why did imperialism occur?
When you first looked at the images on the previous page, you looked for details to answer the following questions:
These two paintings show the arrival of Columbus in North America. No images were produced at that time, but Columbus wrote a diary.
What do you know now about this first meeting that was not revealed in either image? Consider some other information:
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What happened when the first white men met Aboriginal people?
- What do each of these images tell us about imperialism?
These two paintings show the arrival of Columbus in North America. No images were produced at that time, but Columbus wrote a diary.
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October 12, 1492 As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass beads, and hawk's bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces. Weapons they have none, nor are acquainted with them, for I showed them swords which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. It appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion. I intend at my return to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language. ... Journals of Christopher Columbus Medieval Sourcebook |
What do you know now about this first meeting that was not revealed in either image? Consider some other information:
Image in the public domain.
This image, entitled "Columbus Taking Possession of the New Country", was printed for the Prang Education Company in 1893.
The Prang Education Company was an American publishing company that made greeting cards and textbooks. This image was produced 400 years after the landing of Columbus. By this time, countries were obtaining colonies all over the world to gain money and power. The Aboriginal people who lived where Columbus landed had been been almost wiped out.
The Prang Education Company was an American publishing company that made greeting cards and textbooks. This image was produced 400 years after the landing of Columbus. By this time, countries were obtaining colonies all over the world to gain money and power. The Aboriginal people who lived where Columbus landed had been been almost wiped out.
Image in the public domain.
This image, entitled "Christopher Columbus Receiving Gifts" was composed by Theodore de Bry in 1590.
Theodore de Bry was an engraver who worked for his father's publishing company in Germany. He was driven out of his country because of his religion by the Catholic Church. He was hired to illustrate a series of books about the New World although he never visited it.
Theodore de Bry was an engraver who worked for his father's publishing company in Germany. He was driven out of his country because of his religion by the Catholic Church. He was hired to illustrate a series of books about the New World although he never visited it.
Understanding the context in which the images were produced is part of understanding of
historical context. If we can understand what was happening when these images were made, and if we know the artist's story, we have a better understanding of the message.
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To help you prepare for the discussion assignment, complete the 2.2.4 Critical Viewing Self-Test on the next page.
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