Christopher Columbus

Should We Have a National Holiday

for Christopher Columbus?

Introduction Christopher Columbus was an ambitious and

talented navigator. His daring and long-distance voyage across the Atlantic to America in 1492 is celebrated in the United States today. Columbus Day is a controversial celebration, however. His discovery resulted in the slaughter, exploitation, and enslavement of the native inhabitants (the Taino). Do you think the United States should celebrate Columbus Day?

TaskPersuasive Letter Writing Assignment

Write a persuasive letter to the President of the United States expressing your point-of-view. The goal of your letter is to convince the President that your opinion is informed, reasonable, and should be considered.

Process1. Read the primary and secondary sources listed in the “Resources”

section of this WebQuest. They will guide you in critically evaluating whether or not the United States should celebrate Columbus Day.

2. As you read through the multiple sources, gather the pros and cons concerning the celebration of Columbus Day. Organize this information into a two-column table.

3. Then analyze your two-column table, take a position (either pro or con), and focus on your three strongest reasons.

4. Finally, write a persuasive letter to the President of the United States expressing your opinion (see Writing a Persuasive Letter doc).

Resources (Pro)Secondary Sources“Columbus Day: A Time to Celebrate”http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=objectivism_columbus

“Why We Should Celebrate Columbus Day”http://www.osia.org/documents/Celebrate_Col_Day.pdf

Primary Sources“By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation” http://www.osia.org/documents/Columbus_Day_06.pdf

“Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A.”http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2007/October/20071011170524pssnikwad0.9747736.html

Resources (Con)Secondary Sources“A Faithful Response to the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of Christopher Columbus”http://www.transformcolumbusday.org/faithful.html

“An Open Letter from the American Indian Movement of Colorado and our Allies”http://www.indians.org/welker/byecolum.htm

“Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress” (excerpted from a People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn)

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Zinn/Columbus_PeoplesHx.html

“A Message from the United Confederation of Taino People: Why Celebrate Columbus Day? Please Share & Help Educate”

http://www.uctp.org/Message1.htm

EvaluationPERSUASIVE LETTER RUBRIC (30 Points)

Paragraph 1: (Opinion clearly stated in opening paragraph) 0 1

Paragraph 2: (Reason #1 clearly explained with evidence from sources)0 1 2 3 4

Paragraph 3: (Reason #2 clearly explained with evidence from sources)0 1 2 3 4

Paragraph 4: (Reason #3 clearly explained with evidence from sources)0 1 2 3 4

Paragraph 5: (Refute the strongest counter-arguments with evidence from sources)0 1 2 3 4 5 6Paragraph 6: (Position repeated / request for action)

0 1Proper format of letter (Modified block format, spacing, font, font size)

0 1 2 3 4Two-column table of pros and cons0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have critically examined a controversial question of historical significance, analyzed various primary and secondary sources, and expressed your point-of-view through persuasive letter writing. Because of your hard work and excellent research skills, the President of the United States has agreed to read your letter and consider your perspective! Keep up the good work!