On this day, April 17, in 1492

“The Capitulations of Santa Fe” was signed by Queen Isabel of Spain, authorizing and financing Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. Since then, Columbus has become quite a popular historical figure. So what’s all the hype for? He’s only responsible for committing acts of genocide and colonizing the “new world.” Oh yeah, that did kind of spark the idea of a global market system, conveniently setting an example for the rest of Europe to begin their own economic domination over the world. Okay, so I get it now, global capitalism, exploitative labor, and riches. No wonder Columbus is considered a hero by Europe and the US.