Howard Zinn- “a people’s History of the United States”- chapter 1 Questions

AP US History

Name:___________________________________ Period:_____________________

Howard Zinn- A People’s History of the United States- Chapter 1 Questions

Use specific examples from the text to support your answers.

1. According to Zinn, what is his main purpose for writing A People’s History of the United States?

2. According to Zinn, how are Columbus and the Spanish portrayed in traditional history books?

3. What major issue(s) does Bartolome de Las Casas document regarding Spanish expeditions in the Caribbean?

4. List and Document three (3) pieces of evidence about Spanish cruelty from the text specifically that Zinn uses to make his argument. Please note where you find evidence.

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5. Discuss the significance of Powhatan’s statement, “Why will you take by force what you may have quietly by love”?

6. Explain Governor John Winthrop’s legal and biblical justification for seizing Indian lands.

7. How is Zinn’s description of history different from what you have learned in the past?

8. How does the conflict between traditional texts and Zinn illustrate “perspective” in history?