Different European Nationalities Saw the Indians in Different Ways

        From the three documents, I came to the conclusion that different European nationalities saw the Indians in different ways. The Spanish, Dutch and English all had conflicting reports of their first encounter with the Indians; some reported of their lack of intelligence and overall laziness, others reported of their kindness and welcoming spirit to all. The attitude of the Indians varied by the people who walked on their land, as some Europeans saw the Indians as a fear-driven economic opportunity, others saw the Indians as friendly, trade-worthy people who came in peace.

        When Christopher Columbus reported what he saw to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, it came as an incredible discovery to the Spaniards. When he encountered the Indians for the first time, Columbus stated that “I, with these ships and crew, came from the sky…” as if the Indians saw Columbus and his men as Gods from above. For example, the Indians lacked iron, steel, and therefore weapons, and were fearful of what Columbus and his crew would do to the Indians themselves, or their land. Because of this, Columbus explains how the Indians lack of resources makes their land easily conquerable and could lead to converting Indians to Catholicism, while paying homage to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

        The Dutch’s arrival to Manhattan Island in 1610 proved that peace lied between the Indians and Europeans. When the Dutch arrived to the island by sea, there was confusion amongst each other that was not cleared until the Indians saw (or at least they thought was) the Mannitto stepping out from the ship, along with Europeans who dressed much differently from the Indians. Mannitto drank a liquid from a cup given by the Indians that was originally met with fear from other Europeans, not knowing what the liquid’s contents contained. It wasn’t until Mannitto insisted his fellow comrades drink the liquid that they became much more friendly with the Indians, and drank more and more liquid (liquor) until everyone became intoxicated. From this experience, the Indians and Dutch heavily traded with each other (beads, axes, hoes and stockings for small parts of land to grow food), making it clear that they did not want to stay, but wanted to visit the Indians again in the near future.

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