Comparison of Zinn and Schweikart on Spanish Exploration

Vocabulary flashcards based on the comparative analysis of Howard Zinn and Larry Schweikart's perspectives on Christopher Columbus and Spanish exploration.

Howard Zinn

The author of “A People’s History of the United States” who takes a harsh stance against Christopher Columbus, highlighting the devastation and exploitation European settlement brought to Native people.

Larry Schweikart

The author of “A Patriot’s History of the United States” who portrays Columbus as a heroic figure and a “sign and symbol of the new age of hope” while defending Spanish exploration.

“A People’s History of the United States”

A book by Howard Zinn that argues the truth behind historical events is often devastating and focuses on the mistreatment and dehumanization of Native Americans.

“A Patriot’s History of the United States”

A book by Larry Schweikart that views European explorations as triumphant and inspiring, often dismissing claims of Spanish brutality as being based on tenuous evidence.

Samuel Eliot Morrison

Author of the book “Christopher Columbus, Mariner,” whom Howard Zinn critiques for only briefly covering the brutalities of Spanish exploration.

“Indians”

A term originally applied to Native people by Columbus due to his error in thinking he had reached Asia, which Zinn describes as an act of dehumanization.

“Saddled”

A specific word Howard Zinn uses to describe how the name “Indians” was imposed on Native people by conquistadors, implying they were treated like animals.

Tenuous evidence

The basis upon which Larry Schweikart dismisses the extent of Spanish atrocities, citing miscounts of Native populations, prior illnesses, and a lack of documentation.

Conquistadors

Spanish explorers whom Howard Zinn characterizes by their “obsessive” nature of greed and their use of religion to justify the abuse of Native land and resources.

Dehumanization

A theme explored by Howard Zinn, specifically regarding how colonizers treated Native Americans as objects to be exploited and renamed.

Hero story of Columbus

The traditional narrative taught in elementary schools that Howard Zinn challenges by highlighting violent actions and colonial exploits.

Greed and religion

The two primary factors Howard Zinn explores as the motivation and justification for the colonial efforts of Spanish explorers.