The Real History of Columbus

"Columbus made sure the Spaniards would be on their best behavior for those initial encounters. The natives freely gave all they had, or would trade objects of immense value for baubles. Columbus continually expressed his amazement that the natives gave all manner of goods to the Spaniards for trinkets, or simply gave it away. As the boats sailed from island to island, the most common native reaction was fleeing when the Spaniards showed up (some apparently thought the ships were sea monsters, while others timidly fled from the strange men and boats). The other reaction was warmly welcoming the Spaniards. Columbus and his men never received a hostile reception.

(image source)

In his log, Columbus regularly remarked on the astounding beauty of the islands and the natives’ friendly, happy, peaceful nature, but the obsession of his writings was always where the gold was and how the islands’ wealth could be exploited. A mere three days into his gold quest, on October 14th, Columbus made clear what he thought of the natives' military might. His log informed his king and queen that, “with fifty men you could subject every one and make them do what you wished.” "

Full Article