Answer:
Columbus was cruel to native peoples and exploited their natural resources.
Explanation:
Christopher Columbus is the most famous explorer from the era of the great discoveries. He made a name for himself through his 'discovery' of America under the Spanish flag in 1492. Columbus thought he had reached the Indies after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, but had in fact encountered a new continent. His discovery marks a turning point in world history, the meaning of which can hardly be overestimated: European powers colonized the two American continents, the ample amounts of land and raw materials played a role in the emergence of Europe as the predominant continent in the world, and the Columbian exchange resulted in a worldwide exchange of crops, animals and diseases.
Based on his practical experiences at sea and geographical assumptions, he argued that this would be a short crossing. After years of lobbying, he received the green light from Queen Isabella of Castile. In four explorations, he mapped much of the Caribbean. Columbus also became governor of the Spanish colony on Hispaniola, but was unsuccessful as a director. He was unable to build effective authority and was relieved of his duties in 1500. At Hispaniola, Columbus did set the tone for the Spanish rule of the indigenous peoples of the New World by violently subjugating the local Taino people. After a last trip to Central America, he died in 1506, still convinced that he had reached Asia.
