The People vs. Columbus, et al.

Teaching Activity PDF. By Bill Bigelow. 8 pages.
Role play in the form of a trial to determine who is responsible for the death of millions of Tainos on the island of Hispaniola in the late 15th century.

peoplevcolumbusDownload PDF.

This role play begins with the premise that a monstrous crime was committed in the years after 1492, when perhaps as many as three million or more Taínos on the island of Hispaniola lost their lives. (Most scholars estimate the number of people on Hispaniola in 1492 at between one and three million; some estimates are lower and some much higher. By 1550, very few Taínos remained alive.)

Who — and/or what — was responsible for this slaughter? This is the question students confront here.

The lesson begins as follows:

1. In preparation for class, list the names of all the “defendants” on the board: Columbus, Columbus’ men, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Taínos, and the System of Empire.

2. Tell students that each of these defendants is charged with murder — the murder of the Taíno Indians in the years following 1492. Tell them that, in groups, students will portray the defendants and that you, the teacher, will be the prosecutor. Explain that students’ responsibility will be twofold: a) to defend themselves against the charges, and b) to explain who they think is guilty and why.

Download the lesson (in PDF) for the rest of the procedures and the student roles.

Rethinking Columbus offers dozens of lessons and readings like "The People vs. Columbus, et al." for all ages.

Originally published by Rethinking Schools in Rethinking Columbus: The Next 500 Years. The 192-page book offers dozens of additional readings and lessons for K-12 classrooms. “”The original edition made educational history by introducing a startling new view of Columbus … In the revised edition we get even richer material, a marvelous compendium of history, literature, original sources, commentary … an exciting treasure for teachers, students, and the general public.” — Howard Zinn, author A People’s History of the United States

Key words: Christopher Columbus, Taino, Hispaniola, A People’s History of the United States, system of empire, Spain, trial, discovery, encounter, conquest

Comments

  • I always begin my U.S. history course with this case. It is amazing how engaged students become to not only learn the truth but also be able to defend themselves using the evidence provided. Students love creativity and this case allows students to come to their own conclusions. Although, I must say, some of my students have become frustrated with me for not providing them the "answer" to who or what was responsible for killing the Tainos. All I tell them is there is no right answer!

    - Miroslaba Velo

  • Its a great activity. I conduct this simulation every year.

    - John Collier

  • I do research prior to this activity and we read a variety of articles on the topic of Columbus and the Taino's, including for example, las Casas. Then students write a paragraph answering the question: Should we celebrate Columbus Day. They have to cite sources and support their reasoning. The high level of critical thinking and engagement for the trial is wonderful, as they already have set some ideas up, this activity allows them to rethink. Jennifer Glowacki

    - Jglowacki

  • The trial worked very well on Friday (1/27/2012). Students were very engaged and thoughtful. After school at our staff meeting, one of the Physics teachers shared that he had students arguing in his classroom during lunch and he was about to break them up and send them out when he realized they were talking about the Columbus Trial and who was to blame. He reflected that this was the first time all school year he has heard students really talking about class content outside of class time (even though for his class, students had to solve a murder mystery as their last lab!). I especially loved hearing the "System of the Empire" groups present their arguments and then have other students question them. To hear 9th graders thinking critically and debating how much of a person's action reflects their individual choice vs. what society compels them to do and then applying that to major events in world history is amazing. Thanks for the resource! - Barrie Moorman, U.S. history teacher, 9th grade, Washington, D.C.

    - Barrie Moorman

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