chapter 1 DB 1

Learning about history is far more than just reading about it in a textbook written by a bunch of men, or sometimes women. As you read through the required textbook, keep in mind that the historian(s) who wrote it used evidence to write the book. These historians put together their books much like a detective does while investigating a crime and then forming a conclusion about that crime.  Historians use evidence from the past to form their thoughts, opinions, and conclusions. This evidence is referred to as Primary Sources. Yale explains that: Primary sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation. They are created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. Often these sources are created at the time when the events or conditions are occurring, but primary sources can also include autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories recorded later. Primary sources are characterized by their content, regardless of whether they are available in original format, in microfilm/microfiche, in digital format, or in published format.(http://www.yale.edu/collections_collaborative/primarysources/primarysources.html) Throughout this course, you will be required to read and review several different primary sources and provide feedback, therefore, it’s best to get acquainted with this evidence early on! -We’re going to start off with a Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Barholome de la Casas: a short account of the destrcution of the indies by bartolome de la casas.pdf It’s a primary source even though it’s been translated into English and even though it’s technically “English,” some of the language is still much more archaic and/or cumbersome than we’re accustomed to. Despite that, I want to read through it and tell me what stands out to you and why it does. What does he claim as the Spanish motivations for colonization? What does he say the native people were like? What resonates with you about this text?  Use examples and/or quotes from this source! Also – remember – I’ve seen the answers on the internet so I’m looking for YOUR response – not some auto generated answer that someone requested on pages like Yahoo Answers! 😉 The reason I’ve chosen this is because there is plenty of help out there for interpreting, but, I expect honest and thoughtful responses.      https://openstax.org/details/books/us-history