The actions of Christopher Columbus and other Spanish explorers can indeed be defined as acts of genocide. This is due to their intentional imposition of cruel and oppressive means which resulted in the destruction, death or displacement of an entire population.

When Columbus first arrived in the Americas, he immediately began enslaving indigenous people to work on his gold mines, forcing them into grueling labor for long hours with little sustenance. He also caused great suffering through his implementation of brutal punishments such as flogging, mutilation, burning at the stake and even murder for any perceived infractions against him or his crew members. It was clear that Columbus had no intention of respecting the rights or lives of those he encountered; instead viewing them as a commodity to be exploited for profit.