Was Christopher Columbus everybody's hero?

Christopher Columbus is a historical figure whose legacy is viewed in contrasting lights. To some, he was a hero—an intrepid explorer who, in 1492, navigated across the Atlantic Ocean and played a pivotal role in the eventual European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Those who consider him a hero often do so because of his contributions to geographical knowledge and the opening of new trade routes. Columbus's voyages marked the beginning of centuries of transatlantic conquest and cultural exchanges, which had a profound impact on world history.

However, Columbus's actions and their consequences have led others to feel very differently about his legacy. For the indigenous populations of the Americas, his arrival signalled the start of a devastating period of colonization, characterized by violence, disease, and exploitation. This perspective views Columbus not as a hero, but as a harbinger of conquest and colonial oppression that resulted in immense suffering and the loss of native cultures and lives. In contemporary discussions, Columbus's legacy is often debated, with some regions and groups choosing to replace Columbus Day celebrations with Indigenous Peoples' Day in recognition of the impact on native communities. As society continues to re-evaluate historical figures, Columbus's place in history remains a topic of discussion and reassessment.