The True Story of Christopher Columbus

The video debunks myths about Christopher Columbus, revealing he was not the heroic explorer who discovered America or proved the Earth was round. Instead, Columbus was misguided, believing the Earth was smaller and pear-shaped. His voyages led to the brutal treatment of the Taino people. Columbus's legacy was reshaped in the 19th century by Washington Irving, who portrayed him as a hero to help Italian-Americans gain acceptance in the U.S.

What is a common misconception about Christopher Columbus?

• He invented the globe.

• He discovered America.

• He was a famous mathematician.

• He was a king.

Why did Columbus believe he could sail from Europe to India quickly?

• He was guided by the stars.

• He had a new type of ship.

• He thought the Earth was much smaller.

• He had a secret map.

What was Columbus's misconception about the Earth's shape?

• He thought it was flat.

• He thought it was a cube.

• He thought it was pear-shaped.

• He thought it was a triangle.

Which of the following countries did Columbus actually visit?

• United States

• Cuba

• Canada

• Mexico

How did Columbus treat the Taino people?

• He traded fairly with them.

• He ignored them.

• He enslaved and brutalized them.

• He formed an alliance with them.

What was the outcome of Columbus's expeditions for the Taino population by 1542?

• Their population drastically decreased.

• They migrated to Europe.

• They formed a new government.

• They became wealthy.

Who wrote the first English-language biography of Columbus?

• Edgar Allan Poe

• Mark Twain

• Washington Irving

• Charles Dickens

Why did Washington Irving's version of Columbus become popular?

• It was the only book available.

• It portrayed Columbus as a hero.

• It was a comedy.

• It was a school textbook.

Why did Italian-Americans promote Columbus as a national hero?

• To sell more books.

• To integrate into American society.

• To start a new holiday.

• To build a museum.

What holiday was established to honor Columbus?

• Columbus Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving