For the record, the account I find most credible, says that Columbus was not present during the atrocities committed against the hispanolia native population. The maltreatment of the natives were committed by his men during the periods Columbus traveled back to Spain. Columbus was appalled over the state of affairs when he returned, and I think he sought to punish some men for their atrocities which caused a split in his party. Many men fled to parts of the island and were murdered by the natives.

For you to point to Columbus as the father of so many modern day ills is like blaming George Washington, and Robert E. Lee for the slave trade simply because the each had slaves.

I also think you underestimate what Columbus achieved. If what he did was so simple, why had no one penetrated the vast unknown ocean before him. As far as his motives, he was not aiming to empower the 1% as you claim, his motives were more self serving, too gain status, fame, riches for himself. Tell me what great explorer was motivated by a sense of Altruism, and not for his own fame, and self reward.

Lastly, I will say that beyond the feat if discovering the new world, that Columbus was able to organize his expedition during difficult times, and have get it funded, was a near miracle itself made possible only by his strength of character, his personal courage, and his perseverance in his belief, and his faith in divine destiny.