Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Analysis - Essay Example However, King Alfonso’s most important request was that Portuguese merchants stop making Congo a transit for slaves. He requested that they do not accept free men being traded as slaves. King Alfonso always made reference to God’s service in his letters. However, he also reiterated his problem of losing control over his people. In his first letter, he wrote, â€Å"vassals†¦.beginning to claim their independence.† This was due to the fact that his people were beginning to see how good free life is as they see from the lives of the Portuguese merchants. Also, this could be attributed to the fact that they were now able to obtain goods that were previously forbidden from them. King Alfonso believes that his kingdom is an extension of Portugal and that they must be given the same attention by the Portuguese King as he would give to his native land. Furthermore, Alfonso’s letters demonstrate the dependence of his kingdom on Portugal which may be seen as the same reason why he never requested that slave trade be ended or that Portugal vacate his kingdom immediately. Lastly, King Alfonso knows that without the Portuguese and the practice of Christianity his reign will be in jeopardy. Christopher Columbus’ journal serves as a window into his travels. It reflects his views regarding the places he visits and the people he meets. For instance, his journal relates his experience upon meeting the people of the new world. He described these people as people with very well-formed and handsome bodies, short coarse hair similar to the tail of a horse, and people that wear various colors of paint in different places on their face and body. He also noted their distinct complexion which was neither black nor white. Most importantly, Columbus described them as being â€Å"poor in everything.† He probably attributed such to the fact that they willingly accepted even the littlest of items that were given to them. He noted that what they were giving