Howard Zinn (1922 - 2010) was an American historian and political scientist who was against the establishment historical picture, and promoted a historic perspective based on the view of the people, instead of the elites. Therefore, according to Zinn Columbus and the Spanish are portrayed in history books as brave heroes, who got to America in small vessels, facing the dangers of the unknown ocean and fighting hordes of fierce and violent Indians to bring civilization to the new world. Despite this picture, Zinn claims that America’s discovery happened entirely by accident and Columbus men’s actions towards the native population were cruel and unfair.
