Introduction

What would have happened if the indigenous peoples had successfully eliminated Christopher Columbus and his crew upon their arrival in the Americas? The consequences of such an event would have been far-reaching and complex, given the intricate interplay of indigenous power dynamics, colonial ambitions, and technological advancements of the time. This article explores the potential outcomes and how the Americas might have developed differently.

Indigenous Warfare and Power Dynamics

Following the English defeat of the Taino nation, a period of intense conflict would have ensued among the indigenous populations. The Taino, originally the dominant force in the Caribbean, found themselves in a perilous position against the more warlike Carib nations. This conflict mimics real historical occurrences, such as the Cahokia and Mississippian cultures in the Midwest, where internal warfare was common.

The Caribs, renowned for their brutality and genocidal tendencies, would have continued their conquest, pushing the Taino into the eventual path of extinction. This internecine warfare among the indigenous peoples would have created a power vacuum that other nations could potentially exploit, just as the Portuguese did in neighboring regions.

Portuguese Arrival and Expansion

Despite the loss of Columbus and his crew, European expansion into the western hemisphere would not have been halted. In fact, the Portuguese, who were preparing to explore the Atlantic route and were known for being more ruthless than the Spanish, would have stepped in.

The Portuguese had already made several voyages west, and their ambitions extended beyond Africa, aiming for territories in the Americas. Even without Columbus, the Taino could not have halted this progress, for the Portuguese were prepared and driven by similar, albeit more brutal, motivations.

Spanish and Portuguese Joint Kingdom

Another layer of complexity comes from the potential joining of the Spanish and Portuguese crowns under King Philip II. In our reality, this union significantly changed the fate of the Americas, making it more Spanish. However, if the Battle of the Three Kings had unfolded as in our reality, with the tragic death of all three monarchs, the fate of the Americas would have been uncertain.

With Spain and Portugal remaining separate, Spain would have undoubtedly continued its quest to expand into the Americas. Spanish populations were larger and more eager to start new lives, which would have made it difficult for the Portuguese to impede them.

Portuguese Settlement and Expansion

Portuguese settlements in the Americas would likely have been more focused in the northern regions, potentially leading to the emergence of a Portuguese United States or expanded Caribbean territories. A Portuguese victory over the Aztecs would have shifted the balance of power, and England might have lacked the interest to interfere, given their pre-existing peace agreements.

In contrast, a more Spanish-speaking Brazil would have emerged, as Spain directed more of its attention and manpower to securing South America. This expanded focus on the southern territories would have facilitated the annexation of the entire continent, ensuring closer ties to the Spanish crown.

No Significant Change

However, even without Columbus, a significant turning point occurred in 1500, when the Portuguese, during their second voyage to India, unexpectedly discovered the coast of Brazil. This unexpected discovery could have delayed European exploration by just eight years, but the inevitability of expansion indicates that the Americas would have been discovered eventually, even by other European powers.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of indigenous peoples eliminating Columbus and his crew presents a complex array of historical outcomes. While different, the Americas would still have undergone profound transformations under the influence of European colonization and expansion. The paths of development would have diverged, but the end result of discovery and eventual annexation by European powers remained a certainty.