Chapter 1: Three Old World Create a New, 1492-1600





The following activities accompany the Legacy for a People and a Nation on "Columbus Day" in Chapter 1. Refer to pages 30-31 of Norton, A People and a Nation, Sixth Edition for the complete text of this Legacy. There are three parts to this web page: Questions to Consider, Investigation, and Further Exploration.




Questions to Consider
1. How do countries in North America remember Columbus Day?

2. To what extent has our observation of Columbus Day evolved throughout American history? With the emergence of a more global historical perspective?

3. Why do people create myths and heroes? How does Columbus fit into American history? Is he a discoverer? An adventurer? A hero?

4. Does your community have municipalities, streets, and schools named after Columbus?

5. How are holidays chosen? What is the significance of establishing holidays?


Investigation
Visit these four web sites of several organizations and a country that depict Columbus and Columbus Day in significantly different ways:
Costa Rica
U.S. Information Agency
Native American opposition
Library of Congress Exhibition

After reviewing these web sites, organize your town's Columbus Day activities for your local mayor. What would you emphasize? Who would you invite to speak? How might you expect your various constituencies to react?




Further Exploration
1. Compare the New York Public Library's recommended reading lists on Columbus for children and adults.
As we move from childhood to adulthood, do we indeed need to continually relearn our past?

2. A special Quincentennial Site supported by Millersville University allows you to search speeches and articles regarding Columbus Day celebrations.

3. The Division of English as an International Language (DEIL) at the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana offers useful information about holidays around the world. When you visit the Columbus Day page, be sure to read Columbus's original writings.

4. Finished in 1857, the Columbus Doors adorn the main entrance of the U.S. Capitol. Be sure to read the history of the doors and click on the individual panels for a closer analysis of the subjects.