“These people are very unskilled in arms… with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished.”
- August 25th to October 31st, 1451 – May 20th, 1506
- Born in the Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
- Explorer and navigator
- He reached the Americas on his voyage in 1492 and is known as the discoverer of the “New World.”
Quote
“These people are very unskilled in arms… with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished.”
Explanation
In this quote, Christopher Columbus expresses his perception of the indigenous peoples he encountered, describing them as “very unskilled in arms.” This statement reflects the European colonial mindset that often viewed indigenous populations as weak or primitive in comparison to the advanced military technology and strategies of European powers. Columbus’s belief that “with 50 men they could all be subjected” reveals his sense of entitlement and superiority over the people he encountered. It suggests that Columbus saw the indigenous populations as easily conquerable—a mentality that was widespread among European explorers and colonizers during the Age of Discovery. The assumption that a small number of European soldiers could dominate entire populations speaks to the power imbalance that was intrinsic to the colonial project.
The phrase “and made to do all that one wished” reinforces the exploitative nature of this mindset. Columbus believed that the indigenous people, once conquered, would be completely subject to the will of the Europeans, treated not as autonomous individuals but as tools to be used for European interests. This reflects the broader pattern of colonial subjugation and the imposition of European norms and values on native populations. The language used here also mirrors the dehumanizing attitude often adopted by colonizers who saw indigenous peoples not as equal human beings but as subjects to be controlled or exploited.
In modern terms, this quote offers a stark example of the colonial attitude of domination and entitlement that justified the violence and oppression of indigenous peoples. The idea that a small group of Europeans could easily subdue and control an entire population is now recognized as an example of the racial and cultural superiority that underpinned much of the European expansion into the Americas. Today, this mentality is seen as part of the broader historical pattern of imperialism and colonialism, which caused lasting harm to indigenous communities. The quote also serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and understanding the long-term impacts of colonial attitudes on indigenous rights, sovereignty, and cultural survival.
