BELLWORK• From the History of Latin America textbook, read the “Voyages

of Columbus” (pgs. 56-58) and answer the following: 1. What were the Spaniards motives for colonization of the

Americas? 2. What was considered Columbus’ “obsession?” Why was this

goal important?3. Who finally agreed to fund Columbus’ voyage? What would he

receive in return?4. Where did Columbus finally land? How is this different than his

original plan?5. What was the Treaty of Tordesillas? 6. Explain the encounter between the Natives & Columbus and

his crew. How did Columbus attempt to appease the natives?7. THINKER: Historians continually debate the issue of

Columbus’ “discovery.” Many scholars disagree with this term, and instead, use the more neutral term “encounter.” Which do you think is correct? Did Columbus discover or encounter America? Explain!

June 7, 1494: Treaty of Tordesillas• Divided the newly

discovered lands outside Europe between Portugal and Spain

• The lands to the east would belong to Portugal and the lands to the west to Spain.

• The treaty was ratified by both countries.

• The other side of the world would be divided a few decades later by the Treaty of Zaragoza

Spanish Colonization of the Americas

• Today we will focus specifically on the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Reading for History• Today we will focus specifically on the Spanish

conquest of the Americas.• You are going to read four different versions/accounts

of the discovery of the Americas.• For each version, you will analyze the source and

draw conclusions.• Before we start, it is important that you know how to

critically read and evaluate the source.• Critical reading requires a careful approach. Before

you read, and as you read, you should evaluate your reading material.

• The vast majority of what you read for your IB course, will consist of secondary sources.

Reading for History• You should evaluate the authority of your source:

– What are the author’s credentials? What are their qualifications in history?

– Is the book or article written on a topic within the author’s area of study?

• You should evaluate the usefulness of the material for your study:– Is the source current or out of date?– Does it cover the topic extensively or marginally?– Is it largely fact, reasoned judgment, or opinion?

• You should evaluate the bias of your source:– Does the author’s point of view seem to be objective and

impartial?– Is the author associated with an organization? What is their

angle? – What is the tone of the source? Is the text free of emotion?

Remember…..• When doing IB history, it would be helpful if you were

to think of yourself as being in the position of the investigators, defense, prosecution, jury and judge in a criminal trial. That is, you should be concerned with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

• To achieve this, you will need to be as rigorous, as precise, and as logical in your examination and evaluation of evidence as the participants in any trial.

• While reading a source, you should always determine:– O: origin– P: purpose– V: value– L: limitation

Four Views on the Discovery of America

• For this activity, the class will be divided into four groups.

• Each group will start a different station and rotate through all four.

• At each station, there is a reading regarding the discovery of the Americas.

• Each reading has a different point of view and purpose.

• It is your responsibility to evaluate the source! Think about O.P.V.L.

Four Views on the Discovery of America

• In each station, you are to complete the following:

1. Summarize the author’s view on the discovery of the Americas.

2. What is the point of view of the text?

3. Is the text largely based in fact or opinion?

4. Is the author biased? Why or why not?

5. Are there limitations in the source?

CLOSURE• For closure, write a two paragraph summary

of the different documents. Include:– In your opinion, which source was the most

valuable? The least? Why?– Are there similarities and differences between the

sources?– Which author’s viewpoint do you agree with the

most? Why?– Is there another viewpoint you think would be

more reliable?