American history has been distorted. What U.S. presidents, besides Reagan, did the most to reduce government? Harding and Coolidge. Did you ever learn that? If you google it on the internet, Obama comes up first. Hmmmmm...distortion? How did that happen if facts are facts? Well, Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen try to explain in A Patriot's History of the United States. A fabulous book.
Our history was pretty much hunky dory until the 1900's. But even prior, people tried to discredit the constitution to meet their agendas (we'll discuss in further chapters). The age of the Baby Boomers, technology, and the space program all contributed to rapid change. Perhaps the biggest was the environment of the 60's. Woodstock, Vietnam, protestors, draft dodgers, and an increasing drug culture all contributed to a flock of radical professors that infested our colleges and universities with the agenda that America was evil, greedy and basically the cause of all crapiness in the world. True historical facts got in the way of their agenda. These had to be... well... "fixed." Let's jump back to Columbus and the other explorers. Don't worry, it will be the lightening fast Cliff Notes. (Do they still use those??)
Marco Polo: 24 years of world travels, returned to Genoa who was at war with Venice. Captured and put in jail, he recounted his adventures to a cellmate which were later compiled into a book Il Millione, The Million, The Book of Travels of Marco Polo from 1271-1291. This book is what inspired Christopher Columbus to explore new lands.
Zhu Di - 3rd emporer of Ming Dynasty: Wait a dang minute here... back up...I thought you said "American history"? What did he have to do with anything American? Well... maybe nothing. But 70 years before Columbus, he had just completed the "Forbidden City" in China, had the largest navy in the world (3,500 ships. Number 2 -Venetian navy with 300 ships). No other culture even came close to the technology and advancement. His commander, Zheng He, had made 5 voyages around the world traveling further than ever dreamed with the goal of amassing untold wealth and conquering the peoples of the world for the great Zhu Di. He convinced the emperor to let him make one more journey. His massive ships sailed forth with over 28,000 men and provisions. Two excruciating years later, Zhu Di finally spotted the ships' sails in the distance. Zheng He came to the palace, rolled out his maps and journals and excitedly pointed out the long journey and places he had been, including the island of Bimini (part of the Bahamas). This clip explains better the massive shipyards and breathtaking dominance of the Chinese empire during this time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LStpqTmILE Gavin Menzies, a scholar from Britain, says that in 1421, Zheng He discovered America. Unfortunately, while Zheng He was completing his 6th journey, just before China was literally supposed to conquer the world, Zhu Di's son, Gaozhi, who was jealous of Zheng He, tried to convince his father that Zheng He was a fool and that China's wealth should be protected; that it was "contrary to the will of the deities to seek the interest of the kingdom." Zhu Di soon became old and died. Gaozhi immediately issued an edict to call all Chinese emissaries home and destroyed the entire naval fleet. He then burned most of Zheng He's maps and journals. Chinese dominance came to a screeching halt. Wow... ever learn that little tidbit? If you did, go hug your teacher! (Unless they're dead. I would have to discourage that.)
This clip shows the difference between Zheng He's massive treasure fleet and Columbus' little bitty Santa Maria! (BTW, turn your sound down on this one... this guy sounds like everyone's snoresville history teacher....) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI1AmTa-bV0 So did China really discover America? Doesn't really matter because technologically, they sure should have! Maybe it had to do with intent. China's intent? To rule the worlds and amass wealth. Columbus's intent? To spread the gospel of Christianity and praise God. (ok- stop yelling! Queen Isabella wanted some "stuff" too...) However, even as a young boy, Columbus felt that he was prepared with exceptional talent, and compelled by God for this mission of discovery. He prevailed despite insurmountable odds and setbacks. His was one of the first shining examples of "American Exceptionalism."
...I have had commerce and converstions with knowledgeable people of the clergy and the laity, Latins and Greeks, Jews and Moors, and with many others of different religions. Our Lord has favored my occupation and has given me an intelligent mind. He has endowed me with a great talent for seamanship; sufficient ability in astrology, geometry, and arithmetic, and the mental and physical dexterity required to draw spherical maps... with everything in its proper place.
....Through these writings, the hand of Our Lord opened my mind to the possibility of sailing to the Indies and gave me the will to attempt the voyage... Who could doubt that this flash of understanding was the work of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit illuminated his holy and sacred Scriptures, encouraging me in a very strong and clear voice... urging me to proceed. Continaully, without ceasing a moment, they insisted that I go on. (Columbus: Book of Prophecies, p. 67-69.)
Nearly everthing Columbus did was based on his devout belief in God and divine providence. Ya can't change the facts kids. Chris was a good guy. (Would it be inappropriate to say "neiner neiner" to all the naysayers at this point?)
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