christopher columbus key voyages

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Christopher Columbus

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 11, 2023 | Original: November 9, 2009

The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain: in 1492, 1493, 1498 and 1502. He was determined to find a direct water route west from Europe to Asia, but he never did. Instead, he stumbled upon the Americas. Though he did not “discover” the so-called New World—millions of people already lived there—his journeys marked the beginning of centuries of exploration and colonization of North and South America.

Christopher Columbus and the Age of Discovery

During the 15th and 16th centuries, leaders of several European nations sponsored expeditions abroad in the hope that explorers would find great wealth and vast undiscovered lands. The Portuguese were the earliest participants in this “ Age of Discovery ,” also known as “ Age of Exploration .”

Starting in about 1420, small Portuguese ships known as caravels zipped along the African coast, carrying spices, gold and other goods as well as enslaved people from Asia and Africa to Europe.

Did you know? Christopher Columbus was not the first person to propose that a person could reach Asia by sailing west from Europe. In fact, scholars argue that the idea is almost as old as the idea that the Earth is round. (That is, it dates back to early Rome.)

Other European nations, particularly Spain, were eager to share in the seemingly limitless riches of the “Far East.” By the end of the 15th century, Spain’s “ Reconquista ”—the expulsion of Jews and Muslims out of the kingdom after centuries of war—was complete, and the nation turned its attention to exploration and conquest in other areas of the world.

Early Life and Nationality 

Christopher Columbus, the son of a wool merchant, is believed to have been born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. When he was still a teenager, he got a job on a merchant ship. He remained at sea until 1476, when pirates attacked his ship as it sailed north along the Portuguese coast.

The boat sank, but the young Columbus floated to shore on a scrap of wood and made his way to Lisbon, where he eventually studied mathematics, astronomy, cartography and navigation. He also began to hatch the plan that would change the world forever.

Christopher Columbus' First Voyage

At the end of the 15th century, it was nearly impossible to reach Asia from Europe by land. The route was long and arduous, and encounters with hostile armies were difficult to avoid. Portuguese explorers solved this problem by taking to the sea: They sailed south along the West African coast and around the Cape of Good Hope.

But Columbus had a different idea: Why not sail west across the Atlantic instead of around the massive African continent? The young navigator’s logic was sound, but his math was faulty. He argued (incorrectly) that the circumference of the Earth was much smaller than his contemporaries believed it was; accordingly, he believed that the journey by boat from Europe to Asia should be not only possible, but comparatively easy via an as-yet undiscovered Northwest Passage . 

He presented his plan to officials in Portugal and England, but it was not until 1492 that he found a sympathetic audience: the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile .

Columbus wanted fame and fortune. Ferdinand and Isabella wanted the same, along with the opportunity to export Catholicism to lands across the globe. (Columbus, a devout Catholic, was equally enthusiastic about this possibility.)

Columbus’ contract with the Spanish rulers promised that he could keep 10 percent of whatever riches he found, along with a noble title and the governorship of any lands he should encounter.

Where Did Columbus' Ships, Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria, Land?

On August 3, 1492, Columbus and his crew set sail from Spain in three ships: the Niña , the Pinta and the Santa Maria . On October 12, the ships made landfall—not in the East Indies, as Columbus assumed, but on one of the Bahamian islands, likely San Salvador.

For months, Columbus sailed from island to island in what we now know as the Caribbean, looking for the “pearls, precious stones, gold, silver, spices, and other objects and merchandise whatsoever” that he had promised to his Spanish patrons, but he did not find much. In January 1493, leaving several dozen men behind in a makeshift settlement on Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), he left for Spain.

He kept a detailed diary during his first voyage. Christopher Columbus’s journal was written between August 3, 1492, and November 6, 1492 and mentions everything from the wildlife he encountered, like dolphins and birds, to the weather to the moods of his crew. More troublingly, it also recorded his initial impressions of the local people and his argument for why they should be enslaved.

“They… brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks’ bells," he wrote. "They willingly traded everything they owned… They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features… They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron… They would make fine servants… With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.”

Columbus gifted the journal to Isabella upon his return.

Christopher Columbus's Later Voyages

About six months later, in September 1493, Columbus returned to the Americas. He found the Hispaniola settlement destroyed and left his brothers Bartolomeo and Diego Columbus behind to rebuild, along with part of his ships’ crew and hundreds of enslaved indigenous people.

Then he headed west to continue his mostly fruitless search for gold and other goods. His group now included a large number of indigenous people the Europeans had enslaved. In lieu of the material riches he had promised the Spanish monarchs, he sent some 500 enslaved people to Queen Isabella. The queen was horrified—she believed that any people Columbus “discovered” were Spanish subjects who could not be enslaved—and she promptly and sternly returned the explorer’s gift.

In May 1498, Columbus sailed west across the Atlantic for the third time. He visited Trinidad and the South American mainland before returning to the ill-fated Hispaniola settlement, where the colonists had staged a bloody revolt against the Columbus brothers’ mismanagement and brutality. Conditions were so bad that Spanish authorities had to send a new governor to take over.

Meanwhile, the native Taino population, forced to search for gold and to work on plantations, was decimated (within 60 years after Columbus landed, only a few hundred of what may have been 250,000 Taino were left on their island). Christopher Columbus was arrested and returned to Spain in chains.

In 1502, cleared of the most serious charges but stripped of his noble titles, the aging Columbus persuaded the Spanish crown to pay for one last trip across the Atlantic. This time, Columbus made it all the way to Panama—just miles from the Pacific Ocean—where he had to abandon two of his four ships after damage from storms and hostile natives. Empty-handed, the explorer returned to Spain, where he died in 1506.

Legacy of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus did not “discover” the Americas, nor was he even the first European to visit the “New World.” (Viking explorer Leif Erikson had sailed to Greenland and Newfoundland in the 11th century.)

However, his journey kicked off centuries of exploration and exploitation on the American continents. The Columbian Exchange transferred people, animals, food and disease across cultures. Old World wheat became an American food staple. African coffee and Asian sugar cane became cash crops for Latin America, while American foods like corn, tomatoes and potatoes were introduced into European diets. 

Today, Columbus has a controversial legacy —he is remembered as a daring and path-breaking explorer who transformed the New World, yet his actions also unleashed changes that would eventually devastate the native populations he and his fellow explorers encountered.

HISTORY Vault: Columbus the Lost Voyage

Ten years after his 1492 voyage, Columbus, awaiting the gallows on criminal charges in a Caribbean prison, plotted a treacherous final voyage to restore his reputation.

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The Ages of Exploration

Christopher columbus, age of discovery.

Quick Facts:

He is credited for discovering the Americas in 1492, although we know today people were there long before him; his real achievement was that he opened the door for more exploration to a New World.

Name : Christopher Columbus [Kri-stə-fər] [Kə-luhm-bəs]

Birth/Death : 1451 - 1506

Nationality : Italian

Birthplace : Genoa, Italy

Christopher Columbus leaving Palos, Spain

Christopher Columbus aboard the "Santa Maria" leaving Palos, Spain on his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The Mariners' Museum 1933.0746.000001

Introduction We know that In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But what did he actually discover? Christopher Columbus (also known as (Cristoforo Colombo [Italian]; Cristóbal Colón [Spanish]) was an Italian explorer credited with the “discovery” of the America’s. The purpose for his voyages was to find a passage to Asia by sailing west. Never actually accomplishing this mission, his explorations mostly included the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, all of which were already inhabited by Native groups.

Biography Early Life Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, part of present-day Italy, in 1451. His parents’ names were Dominico Colombo and Susanna Fontanarossa. He had three brothers: Bartholomew, Giovanni, and Giacomo; and a sister named Bianchinetta. Christopher became an apprentice in his father’s wool weaving business, but he also studied mapmaking and sailing as well. He eventually left his father’s business to join the Genoese fleet and sail on the Mediterranean Sea. 1 After one of his ships wrecked off the coast of Portugal, he decided to remain there with his younger brother Bartholomew where he worked as a cartographer (mapmaker) and bookseller. Here, he married Doña Felipa Perestrello e Moniz and had two sons Diego and Fernando.

Christopher Columbus owned a copy of Marco Polo’s famous book, and it gave him a love for exploration. In the mid 15th century, Portugal was desperately trying to find a faster trade route to Asia. Exotic goods such as spices, ivory, silk, and gems were popular items of trade. However, Europeans often had to travel through the Middle East to reach Asia. At this time, Muslim nations imposed high taxes on European travels crossing through. 2 This made it both difficult and expensive to reach Asia. There were rumors from other sailors that Asia could be reached by sailing west. Hearing this, Christopher Columbus decided to try and make this revolutionary journey himself. First, he needed ships and supplies, which required money that he did not have. He went to King John of Portugal who turned him down. He then went to the rulers of England, and France. Each declined his request for funding. After seven years of trying, he was finally sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Voyages Principal Voyage Columbus’ voyage departed in August of 1492 with 87 men sailing on three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. Columbus commanded the Santa María, while the Niña was led by Vicente Yanez Pinzon and the Pinta by Martin Pinzon. 3 This was the first of his four trips. He headed west from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean. On October 12 land was sighted. He gave the first island he landed on the name San Salvador, although the native population called it Guanahani. 4 Columbus believed that he was in Asia, but was actually in the Caribbean. He even proposed that the island of Cuba was a part of China. Since he thought he was in the Indies, he called the native people “Indians.” In several letters he wrote back to Spain, he described the landscape and his encounters with the natives. He continued sailing throughout the Caribbean and named many islands he encountered after his ship, king, and queen: La Isla de Santa María de Concepción, Fernandina, and Isabella.

It is hard to determine specifically which islands Columbus visited on this voyage. His descriptions of the native peoples, geography, and plant life do give us some clues though. One place we do know he stopped was in present-day Haiti. He named the island Hispaniola. Hispaniola today includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In January of 1493, Columbus sailed back to Europe to report what he found. Due to rough seas, he was forced to land in Portugal, an unfortunate event for Columbus. With relations between Spain and Portugal strained during this time, Ferdinand and Isabella suspected that Columbus was taking valuable information or maybe goods to Portugal, the country he had lived in for several years. Those who stood against Columbus would later use this as an argument against him. Eventually, Columbus was allowed to return to Spain bringing with him tobacco, turkey, and some new spices. He also brought with him several natives of the islands, of whom Queen Isabella grew very fond.

Subsequent Voyages Columbus took three other similar trips to this region. His second voyage in 1493 carried a large fleet with the intention of conquering the native populations and establishing colonies. At one point, the natives attacked and killed the settlers left at Fort Navidad. Over time the colonists enslaved many of the natives, sending some to Europe and using many to mine gold for the Spanish settlers in the Caribbean. The third trip was to explore more of the islands and mainland South America further. Columbus was appointed the governor of Hispaniola, but the colonists, upset with Columbus’ leadership appealed to the rulers of Spain, who sent a new governor: Francisco de Bobadilla. Columbus was taken prisoner on board a ship and sent back to Spain.

On his fourth and final journey west in 1502 Columbus’s goal was to find the “Strait of Malacca,” to try to find India. But a hurricane, then being denied entrance to Hispaniola, and then another storm made this an unfortunate trip. His ship was so badly damaged that he and his crew were stranded on Jamaica for two years until help from Hispaniola finally arrived. In 1504, Columbus and his men were taken back to Spain .

Later Years and Death Columbus reached Spain in November 1504. He was not in good health. He spent much of the last of his life writing letters to obtain the percentage of wealth overdue to be paid to him, and trying to re-attain his governorship status, but was continually denied both. Columbus died at Valladolid on May 20, 1506, due to illness and old age. Even until death, he still firmly believing that he had traveled to the eastern part of Asia.

Legacy Columbus never made it to Asia, nor did he truly discover America. His “re-discovery,” however, inspired a new era of exploration of the American continents by Europeans. Perhaps his greatest contribution was that his voyages opened an exchange of goods between Europe and the Americas both during and long after his journeys. 5 Despite modern criticism of his treatment of the native peoples there is no denying that his expeditions changed both Europe and America. Columbus day was made a federal holiday in 1971. It is recognized on the second Monday of October.

• Fergus Fleming, Off the Map: Tales of Endurance and Exploration (New York: Grove Press, 2004), 30.
• Fleming, Off the Map, 30
• William D. Phillips and Carla Rahn Phillips, The Worlds of Christopher Columbus (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993), 142-143.
• Phillips and Phillips, The Worlds of Christopher Columbus, 155.
• Robin S. Doak, Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World (Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2005), 92.

Bibliography

Doak, Robin. Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World. Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2005.

Fleming, Fergus. Off the Map: Tales of Endurance and Exploration. New York: Grove Press, 2004.

Phillips, William D., and Carla Rahn Phillips. The Worlds of Christopher Columbus. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Map of Voyages

Click below to view an example of the explorer’s voyages. Use the tabs on the left to view either 1 or multiple journeys at a time, and click on the icons to learn more about the stops, sites, and activities along the way.

• Original "EXPLORATION through the AGES" site
• The Mariners' Educational Programs

Christopher Columbus

Italian explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the “New World” of the Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492.

c. 1451-1506

Quick Facts

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Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator. In 1492, he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain in the Santa Maria , with the Pinta and the Niña ships alongside, hoping to find a new route to Asia. Instead, he and his crew landed on an island in present-day Bahamas—claiming it for Spain and mistakenly “discovering” the Americas. Between 1493 and 1504, he made three more voyages to the Caribbean and South America, believing until his death that he had found a shorter route to Asia. Columbus has been credited—and blamed—for opening up the Americas to European colonization.

FULL NAME: Cristoforo Colombo BORN: c. 1451 DIED: May 20, 1506 BIRTHPLACE: Genoa, Italy SPOUSE: Filipa Perestrelo (c. 1479-1484) CHILDREN: Diego and Fernando

Christopher Columbus, whose real name was Cristoforo Colombo, was born in 1451 in the Republic of Genoa, part of what is now Italy. He is believed to have been the son of Dominico Colombo and Susanna Fontanarossa and had four siblings: brothers Bartholomew, Giovanni, and Giacomo, and a sister named Bianchinetta. He was an apprentice in his father’s wool weaving business and studied sailing and mapmaking.

In his 20s, Columbus moved to Lisbon, Portugal, and later resettled in Spain, which remained his home base for the duration of his life.

Columbus first went to sea as a teenager, participating in several trading voyages in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. One such voyage, to the island of Khios, in modern-day Greece, brought him the closest he would ever come to Asia.

His first voyage into the Atlantic Ocean in 1476 nearly cost him his life, as the commercial fleet he was sailing with was attacked by French privateers off the coast of Portugal. His ship was burned, and Columbus had to swim to the Portuguese shore.

He made his way to Lisbon, where he eventually settled and married Filipa Perestrelo. The couple had one son, Diego, around 1480. His wife died when Diego was a young boy, and Columbus moved to Spain. He had a second son, Fernando, who was born out of wedlock in 1488 with Beatriz Enriquez de Arana.

After participating in several other expeditions to Africa, Columbus learned about the Atlantic currents that flow east and west from the Canary Islands.

The Asian islands near China and India were fabled for their spices and gold, making them an attractive destination for Europeans—but Muslim domination of the trade routes through the Middle East made travel eastward difficult.

Columbus devised a route to sail west across the Atlantic to reach Asia, believing it would be quicker and safer. He estimated the earth to be a sphere and the distance between the Canary Islands and Japan to be about 2,300 miles.

Many of Columbus’ contemporary nautical experts disagreed. They adhered to the (now known to be accurate) second-century BCE estimate of the Earth’s circumference at 25,000 miles, which made the actual distance between the Canary Islands and Japan about 12,200 statute miles. Despite their disagreement with Columbus on matters of distance, they concurred that a westward voyage from Europe would be an uninterrupted water route.

Columbus proposed a three-ship voyage of discovery across the Atlantic first to the Portuguese king, then to Genoa, and finally to Venice. He was rejected each time. In 1486, he went to the Spanish monarchy of Queen Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Their focus was on a war with the Muslims, and their nautical experts were skeptical, so they initially rejected Columbus.

The idea, however, must have intrigued the monarchs, because they kept Columbus on a retainer. Columbus continued to lobby the royal court, and soon, the Spanish army captured the last Muslim stronghold in Granada in January 1492. Shortly thereafter, the monarchs agreed to finance his expedition.

In late August 1492, Columbus left Spain from the port of Palos de la Frontera. He was sailing with three ships: Columbus in the larger Santa Maria (a type of ship known as a carrack), with the Pinta and the Niña (both Portuguese-style caravels) alongside.

On October 12, 1492, after 36 days of sailing westward across the Atlantic, Columbus and several crewmen set foot on an island in present-day Bahamas, claiming it for Spain.

There, his crew encountered a timid but friendly group of natives who were open to trade with the sailors. They exchanged glass beads, cotton balls, parrots, and spears. The Europeans also noticed bits of gold the natives wore for adornment.

Columbus and his men continued their journey, visiting the islands of Cuba (which he thought was mainland China) and Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which Columbus thought might be Japan) and meeting with the leaders of the native population.

During this time, the Santa Maria was wrecked on a reef off the coast of Hispaniola. With the help of some islanders, Columbus’ men salvaged what they could and built the settlement Villa de la Navidad (“Christmas Town”) with lumber from the ship.

Thirty-nine men stayed behind to occupy the settlement. Convinced his exploration had reached Asia, he set sail for home with the two remaining ships. Returning to Spain in 1493, Columbus gave a glowing but somewhat exaggerated report and was warmly received by the royal court.

In 1493, Columbus took to the seas on his second expedition and explored more islands in the Caribbean Ocean. Upon arrival at Hispaniola, Columbus and his crew discovered the Navidad settlement had been destroyed with all the sailors massacred.

Spurning the wishes of the local queen, Columbus established a forced labor policy upon the native population to rebuild the settlement and explore for gold, believing it would be profitable. His efforts produced small amounts of gold and great hatred among the native population.

Before returning to Spain, Columbus left his brothers Bartholomew and Giacomo to govern the settlement on Hispaniola and sailed briefly around the larger Caribbean islands, further convincing himself he had discovered the outer islands of China.

It wasn’t until his third voyage that Columbus actually reached the South American mainland, exploring the Orinoco River in present-day Venezuela. By this time, conditions at the Hispaniola settlement had deteriorated to the point of near-mutiny, with settlers claiming they had been misled by Columbus’ claims of riches and complaining about the poor management of his brothers.

The Spanish Crown sent a royal official who arrested Columbus and stripped him of his authority. He returned to Spain in chains to face the royal court. The charges were later dropped, but Columbus lost his titles as governor of the Indies and, for a time, much of the riches made during his voyages.

After convincing King Ferdinand that one more voyage would bring the abundant riches promised, Columbus went on his fourth and final voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1502. This time he traveled along the eastern coast of Central America in an unsuccessful search for a route to the Indian Ocean.

A storm wrecked one of his ships, stranding the captain and his sailors on the island of Cuba. During this time, local islanders, tired of the Spaniards’ poor treatment and obsession with gold, refused to give them food.

In a spark of inspiration, Columbus consulted an almanac and devised a plan to “punish” the islanders by taking away the moon. On February 29, 1504, a lunar eclipse alarmed the natives enough to re-establish trade with the Spaniards. A rescue party finally arrived, sent by the royal governor of Hispaniola in July, and Columbus and his men were taken back to Spain in November 1504.

In the two remaining years of his life, Columbus struggled to recover his reputation. Although he did regain some of his riches in May 1505, his titles were never returned.

Columbus probably died of severe arthritis following an infection on May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain. At the time of his death, he still believed he had discovered a shorter route to Asia.

There are questions about the location of his burial site. According to the BBC , Columbus’ remains moved at least three or four times over the course of 400 years—including from Valladolid to Seville, Spain, in 1509; then to Santo Domingo, in what is now the Dominican Republic, in 1537; then to Havana, Cuba, in 1795; and back to Seville in 1898. As a result, Seville and Santo Domingo have both laid claim to being Columbus’ true burial site. It is also possible his bones were mixed up with another person’s amid all of their travels.

In May 2014, Columbus made headlines as news broke that a team of archaeologists might have found the Santa Maria off the north coast of Haiti. Barry Clifford, the leader of this expedition, told the Independent newspaper that “all geographical, underwater topography and archaeological evidence strongly suggests this wreck is Columbus’ famous flagship the Santa Maria.”

After a thorough investigation by the U.N. agency UNESCO, it was determined the wreck dates from a later period and was located too far from shore to be the famed ship.

Columbus has been credited for opening up the Americas to European colonization—as well as blamed for the destruction of the native peoples of the islands he explored. Ultimately, he failed to find that what he set out for: a new route to Asia and the riches it promised.

In what is known as the Columbian Exchange, Columbus’ expeditions set in motion the widespread transfer of people, plants, animals, diseases, and cultures that greatly affected nearly every society on the planet.

The horse from Europe allowed Native American tribes in the Great Plains of North America to shift from a nomadic to a hunting lifestyle. Wheat from the Old World fast became a main food source for people in the Americas. Coffee from Africa and sugar cane from Asia became major cash crops for Latin American countries. And foods from the Americas, such as potatoes, tomatoes and corn, became staples for Europeans and helped increase their populations.

The Columbian Exchange also brought new diseases to both hemispheres, though the effects were greatest in the Americas. Smallpox from the Old World killed millions, decimating the Native American populations to mere fractions of their original numbers. This more than any other factor allowed for European domination of the Americas.

The overwhelming benefits of the Columbian Exchange went to the Europeans initially and eventually to the rest of the world. The Americas were forever altered, and the once vibrant cultures of the Indigenous civilizations were changed and lost, denying the world any complete understanding of their existence.

As more Italians began to immigrate to the United States and settle in major cities during the 19 th century, they were subject to religious and ethnic discrimination. This included a mass lynching of 11 Sicilian immigrants in 1891 in New Orleans.

Just one year after this horrific event, President Benjamin Harrison called for the first national observance of Columbus Day on October 12, 1892, to mark the 400 th anniversary of his arrival in the Americas. Italian-Americans saw this honorary act for Columbus as a way of gaining acceptance.

Colorado became the first state to officially observe Columbus Day in 1906 and, within five years, 14 other states followed. Thanks to a joint resolution of Congress, the day officially became a federal holiday in 1934 during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt . In 1970, Congress declared the holiday would fall on the second Monday in October each year.

But as Columbus’ legacy—specifically, his exploration’s impacts on Indigenous civilizations—began to draw more criticism, more people chose not to take part. As of 2023, approximately 29 states no longer celebrate Columbus Day , and around 195 cities have renamed it or replaced with the alternative Indigenous Peoples Day. The latter isn’t an official holiday, but the federal government recognized its observance in 2022 and 2023. President Joe Biden called it “a day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this nation.”

One of the most notable cities to move away from celebrating Columbus Day in recent years is the state capital of Columbus, Ohio, which is named after the explorer. In 2018, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced the city would remain open on Columbus Day and instead celebrate a holiday on Veterans Day. In July 2020, the city also removed a 20-plus-foot metal statue of Columbus from the front of City Hall.

• I went to sea from the most tender age and have continued in a sea life to this day. Whoever gives himself up to this art wants to know the secrets of Nature here below. It is more than forty years that I have been thus engaged. Wherever any one has sailed, there I have sailed.
• Speaking of myself, little profit had I won from twenty years of service, during which I have served with so great labors and perils, for today I have no roof over my head in Castile; if I wish to sleep or eat, I have no place to which to go, save an inn or tavern, and most often, I lack the wherewithal to pay the score.
• They say that there is in that land an infinite amount of gold; and that the people wear corals on their heads and very large bracelets of coral on their feet and arms; and that with coral they adorn and inlay chairs and chests and tables.
• This island and all the others are very fertile to a limitless degree, and this island is extremely so. In it there are many harbors on the coast of the sea, beyond comparison with others that I know in Christendom, and many rivers, good and large, which is marvelous.
• Our Almighty God has shown me the highest favor, which, since David, he has not shown to anybody.
• Already the road is opened to gold and pearls, and it may surely be hoped that precious stones, spices, and a thousand other things, will also be found.
• I have now seen so much irregularity, that I have come to another conclusion respecting the earth, namely, that it is not round as they describe, but of the form of a pear.
• In all the countries visited by your Highnesses’ ships, I have caused a high cross to be fixed upon every headland and have proclaimed, to every nation that I have discovered, the lofty estate of your Highnesses and of your court in Spain.
• I ought to be judged as a captain sent from Spain to the Indies, to conquer a nation numerous and warlike, with customs and religions altogether different to ours.

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History Resources

Columbus reports on his first voyage, 1493

A spotlight on a primary source by christopher columbus.

On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain to find an all-water route to Asia. On October 12, more than two months later, Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas that he called San Salvador; the natives called it Guanahani.

For nearly five months, Columbus explored the Caribbean, particularly the islands of Juana (Cuba) and Hispaniola (Santo Domingo), before returning to Spain. He left thirty-nine men to build a settlement called La Navidad in present-day Haiti. He also kidnapped several Native Americans (between ten and twenty-five) to take back to Spain—only eight survived. Columbus brought back small amounts of gold as well as native birds and plants to show the richness of the continent he believed to be Asia.

When Columbus arrived back in Spain on March 15, 1493, he immediately wrote a letter announcing his discoveries to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, who had helped finance his trip. The letter was written in Spanish and sent to Rome, where it was printed in Latin by Stephan Plannck. Plannck mistakenly left Queen Isabella’s name out of the pamphlet’s introduction but quickly realized his error and reprinted the pamphlet a few days later. The copy shown here is the second, corrected edition of the pamphlet.

The Latin printing of this letter announced the existence of the American continent throughout Europe. “I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance,” Columbus wrote.

In addition to announcing his momentous discovery, Columbus’s letter also provides observations of the native people’s culture and lack of weapons, noting that “they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror.” Writing that the natives are “fearful and timid . . . guileless and honest,” Columbus declares that the land could easily be conquered by Spain, and the natives “might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain.”

An English translation of this document is available.

I have determined to write you this letter to inform you of everything that has been done and discovered in this voyage of mine.

On the thirty-third day after leaving Cadiz I came into the Indian Sea, where I discovered many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard, no one making any resistance. The island called Juana, as well as the others in its neighborhood, is exceedingly fertile. It has numerous harbors on all sides, very safe and wide, above comparison with any I have ever seen. Through it flow many very broad and health-giving rivers; and there are in it numerous very lofty mountains. All these island are very beautiful, and of quite different shapes; easy to be traversed, and full of the greatest variety of trees reaching to the stars. . . .

In the island, which I have said before was called Hispana , there are very lofty and beautiful mountains, great farms, groves and fields, most fertile both for cultivation and for pasturage, and well adapted for constructing buildings. The convenience of the harbors in this island, and the excellence of the rivers, in volume and salubrity, surpass human belief, unless on should see them. In it the trees, pasture-lands and fruits different much from those of Juana. Besides, this Hispana abounds in various kinds of species, gold and metals. The inhabitants . . . are all, as I said before, unprovided with any sort of iron, and they are destitute of arms, which are entirely unknown to them, and for which they are not adapted; not on account of any bodily deformity, for they are well made, but because they are timid and full of terror. . . . But when they see that they are safe, and all fear is banished, they are very guileless and honest, and very liberal of all they have. No one refuses the asker anything that he possesses; on the contrary they themselves invite us to ask for it. They manifest the greatest affection towards all of us, exchanging valuable things for trifles, content with the very least thing or nothing at all. . . . I gave them many beautiful and pleasing things, which I had brought with me, for no return whatever, in order to win their affection, and that they might become Christians and inclined to love our King and Queen and Princes and all the people of Spain; and that they might be eager to search for and gather and give to us what they abound in and we greatly need.

Questions for Discussion

Read the document introduction and transcript in order to answer these questions.

• Columbus described the Natives he first encountered as “timid and full of fear.” Why did he then capture some Natives and bring them aboard his ships?
• Imagine the thoughts of the Europeans as they first saw land in the “New World.” What do you think would have been their most immediate impression? Explain your answer.
• Which of the items Columbus described would have been of most interest to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella? Why?
• Why did Columbus describe the islands and their inhabitants in great detail?
• It is said that this voyage opened the period of the “Columbian Exchange.” Why do you think that term has been attached to this period of time?

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Christopher Columbus Timeline

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer born in 1451, best known for his four voyages across the Atlantic sponsored by the Spanish monarchy.

He mistakenly believed he had found a new route to the East Indies when he landed in the Americas in 1492. Columbus’s explorations marked the beginning of sustained European contact with the Americas.

Despite controversy over his treatment of native populations and a brief arrest in 1500, he made three more expeditions before his death in Spain in 1506.

Columbus’s journeys opened the path for the widespread European exploration and eventual colonization of the New World.

Timeline of Christopher Columbus

1451 – born in genoa, italy.

Christopher Columbus was born between August and October 1451 in Genoa, a significant seaport in Italy.

His father, Domenico Colombo, was a middle-class wool weaver, and his mother’s name was Susanna Fontanarossa.

Growing up, Columbus likely received a modest education; however, his passion for the sea and exploration became apparent at an early age.

1476 – Survives shipwreck off Portugal and settles there

Around the age of 25, Columbus survived a dramatic shipwreck off the coast of Portugal. The commercial fleet he was sailing with was attacked by French privateers off the Cape of St. Vincent. Columbus grabbed onto a piece of floating wood and managed to swim the six miles to shore.

Afterward, he settled in Portugal, where his brother Bartolomeo was working as a cartographer. During his time in Portugal, Columbus furthered his sailing knowledge and began formulating his plan to sail west to reach the East Indies.

1485 – Presents his plan to reach the East Indies to the King of Portugal

Columbus developed a plan to reach the East Indies (primarily India and China, rich in spices, silk, and gold) by sailing west, instead of the traditional route around Africa.

He believed that the world was smaller than was generally accepted, and thus the distance to Asia by sailing west would be shorter.

In 1485, Columbus presented his plan to King John II of Portugal. However, his plan was rejected, mainly because Portuguese experts believed Columbus’ calculation of the distance to Asia was significantly underestimated.

Undeterred, Columbus decided to present his plan to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, in Spain.

1492 – Begins his first voyage

After years of lobbying, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Spain finally agreed to sponsor Columbus’ voyage in early 1492.

Columbus departed from Palos de la Frontera in Spain on August 3 with three ships: the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña. The expedition went westward across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new route to Asia.

1492 – Lands in the Bahamas

On October 12, 1492, land was sighted. The first place Columbus arrived in the New World was an island in the present-day Bahamas.

Believing he had reached the East Indies, Columbus called the people he met “Indians,” a term that would be used for the native inhabitants of the Americas for centuries to come. The island was named San Salvador, although it’s unclear which modern-day island it is.

1493 – Returns to Spain, then sets off on his second voyage

Columbus returned to Spain in 1493, where he was greeted with much acclaim. News of his discovery of new lands (albeit not the East Indies as he had intended) quickly spread throughout Europe. Later in the same year, Columbus set off on his second voyage to the New World.

This time he commanded a much larger fleet of 17 ships, carrying around 1200 men. The intention of this second voyage was not just exploration, but the colonization and conversion of the indigenous peoples to Christianity.

1498 – Begins his third voyage

On his third voyage, Columbus set sail with six ships in May 1498. The fleet split into two groups: three ships to resupply the colonists on Hispaniola and the other three to explore further south.

Columbus and his crew discovered the continent of South America when they reached the Orinoco River delta in present-day Venezuela. Columbus believed he had found a continent previously unknown to Europeans.

1500 – Arrested and returned to Spain due to complaints and mismanagement

Columbus’ governance of the new territories was characterized by a brutal regime, with natives subjected to slavery, mutilation, or death for minor infractions. Spanish settlers who tried to oppose his rule were also brutally suppressed.

These factors led to numerous complaints being sent back to Spain. As a result, the Spanish Crown sent Francisco de Bobadilla, a royal commissioner, who arrested Columbus and his brothers for their alleged crimes in August 1500.

Columbus was transported back to Spain in chains. Although he was later released and forgiven by the Monarchs, he never regained his governorship.

1502-1504 – Embarks on his fourth and final voyage

Despite his fall from grace, Columbus was able to convince King Ferdinand that one more voyage could bring the abundant riches that had so far eluded them.

In 1502, Columbus set sail with four ships, hoping to find a strait in the Central American isthmus that would allow passage to the Indian Ocean and the East Indies. The voyage was arduous, involving storms, conflicts with natives, and the stranding of Columbus’s ship.

In 1504, Columbus and his crew were rescued from the island of Jamaica by a Spanish ship and returned to Spain, marking the end of Columbus’ voyages to the New World.

1506 – Dies in Valladolid, Spain on May 20th

After his fourth and final voyage, Christopher Columbus returned to Spain in 1504. His health had deteriorated during his travels, and he had possibly contracted a form of reactive arthritis known as Reiter’s syndrome.

Despite his failing health and diminished standing, Columbus persisted in lobbying the Spanish court for recompense based on the profits of the colonies he had discovered.

Over the next couple of years, his condition worsened. Christopher Columbus died on May 20, 1506, at the age of 54, in Valladolid, Spain. At the time of his death, Columbus still believed he had found a new route to Asia rather than discovering a new continent.

His remains were initially buried in Valladolid, but they were later moved a number of times, with claimed final resting places in both the Cathedral of Seville in Spain and the Columbus Lighthouse in the Dominican Republic.

Discovering the Year of Christopher Columbus’ Voyage Across the Ocean Blue

Alex Morgan

Christopher Columbus, a renowned explorer, is often credited with the discovery of the Americas and his expeditions paved the way for European exploration and colonization of the New World. In this article, we will delve into the life and voyages of Christopher Columbus , exploring the significant impact of his journeys.

Let’s begin with an introduction to Christopher Columbus , followed by an examination of his voyages, including the first voyage in 1492 , the second in 1493 , the third in 1498 , and the fourth in 1502 . We will then address the key question: When did Christopher Columbus sail the ocean blue? We will explore the significance of Christopher Columbus’s voyages , including their impact on European exploration, the encounter with the Americas, and the controversies surrounding his legacy.

Key takeaway:

• Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492: Columbus embarked on his first voyage in 1492, which eventually led to the discovery of the Americas.
• Impact of Columbus’ voyages on European exploration: Columbus’ voyages played a crucial role in initiating European exploration and opening up new trade routes.
• Controversies surrounding Christopher Columbus: Columbus’ actions and treatment of indigenous populations have sparked debates and controversies regarding his legacy and the effects of colonization.

Who Was Christopher Columbus?

Christopher Columbus , who was Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, discovered America in 1492. He was born in Genoa, Italy , and set sail to find a new trade route to Asia.

Christopher Columbus received funding from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain. Despite challenges like a shortage of supplies and mutiny, Christopher Columbus persevered and reached the Bahamas, believing it was the East Indies.

Although Christopher Columbus never set foot on the North American mainland, Christopher Columbus’s discovery paved the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Christopher Columbus went on four voyages to the Caribbean and South America.

Christopher Columbus’s expeditions had a significant impact on world history, initiating the era of European exploration and leading to the establishment of European colonies in America. Today, Christopher Columbus is both celebrated and criticized for shaping the modern world.

Christopher Columbus’s Voyages

Christopher Columbus’s Voyages take us on a thrilling journey through history, discovery, and adventure. Brace yourself for tales of exploration as we delve into his remarkable expeditions. From his groundbreaking First Voyage in 1492 to the dramatic Fourth Voyage in 1502, each sub-section promises to unveil fascinating events and encounters that shaped the course of human history. Get ready to set sail alongside the legendary Christopher Columbus and witness the wonders he discovered on the vast ocean blue.

First Voyage: 1492

Christopher Columbus’s first voyage in 1492 marked a significant moment in history. Columbus set sail with three small ships – the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña – to find a western route to Asia. He was sponsored by Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Leaving from the port of Palos in Spain, Columbus and his crew faced challenges as they sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. After weeks of sailing, they finally spotted land on October 12, 1492. It was an island in present-day Bahamas, which they named San Salvador.

During this first voyage in 1492, Columbus also explored other islands in the Caribbean, such as Cuba and Hispaniola. He made contact with the indigenous people of these lands, establishing initial contact between the Old World and the New World.

Second Voyage: 1493

During Christopher Columbus’s second voyage in 1493, he embarked on a journey with a fleet of seventeen ships. This expedition followed his initial exploration of the Americas the previous year. Columbus set sail from Cádiz, Spain, with the aim of establishing a permanent Spanish presence in the recently discovered lands.

On this subsequent voyage, Columbus ventured to various Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and Jamaica . He also revisited Hispaniola , where he founded a settlement called Isabella . During his exploration of these islands, Columbus encountered the indigenous Taíno people and imposed Spanish rule over them.

Alongside the exploration, the second voyage was driven by Columbus’s pursuit of treasures believed to exist in the region. Nonetheless, he encountered numerous challenges, ranging from shipwrecks to harsh weather conditions and conflicts with native populations. Despite these difficulties, Columbus successfully returned to Spain in 1496, having accomplished his mission of further exploration.

Christopher Columbus’s second voyage in 1493 expanded geographical knowledge and European influence in the Americas. This voyage paved the way for subsequent expeditions and eventual colonization of the region. It is crucial to acknowledge that Columbus’s voyages had significant repercussions, both positive and negative, for the indigenous populations, sparking ongoing debates and controversies.

Third Voyage: 1498

During his third voyage in 1498, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey from Spain with a fleet of six ships and around 200 men. His main objective was to discover a route to the Indian Ocean and explore the lands he had previously encountered. Columbus eventually arrived at the South American coast, near the mouth of the Orinoco River , and mistakenly believed that he had reached Asia . Continuing his exploration, he ventured along the shoreline of present-day Venezuela , Trinidad , and Tobago before eventually returning to Spain .

This expedition served to confirm Columbus’s conviction that he had indeed reached Asia , while also representing the first instance of Europeans making contact with mainland South America . Throughout the voyage, Columbus gathered valuable information about the newly discovered lands, including various plant and animal species, as well as interactions with the indigenous inhabitants. Unfortunately, the journey was not without its challenges, as tensions among the crew and conflicts with the native people posed significant obstacles.

Fourth Voyage: 1502

During Christopher Columbus’s fourth voyage in 1502, he encountered a series of challenges and setbacks. The primary objective of this voyage was to locate a sea route to the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately, Columbus faced unfavorable conditions and navigational difficulties along the way. He embarked on a journey along the Central American coast , meticulously exploring present-day Honduras , Panama , and Costa Rica .

One particularly significant event that unfolded during this expedition was the encounter with violent storms . These tempests caused extensive damage to Columbus’s fleet, leaving him with no choice but to seek refuge in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica . Stranded on the island for over a year, Columbus and his crew had to endure intense hunger and numerous hardships. Luckily, they were ultimately rescued by Spanish ships dispatched by Columbus’s patrons.

In spite of all the obstacles encountered, the fourth voyage of Columbus was not devoid of accomplishments. He successfully explored and mapped out new territories, thus expanding European knowledge of the Americas. Columbus stumbled upon various islands and had encounters with indigenous peoples in the Caribbean .

When Did Christopher Columbus Sail the Ocean Blue?

Curious about when Christopher Columbus embarked on his journey across the ocean? Delve into the historical events of his voyage and get ready to unravel the impact it had on European exploration , the incredible encounter with the Americas , and the controversies that surround Christopher Columbus . Prepare to navigate through fascinating facts and figures that shed light on this pivotal moment in history.

Significance of Christopher Columbus’s Voyages

Christopher Columbus’s voyages hold great significance in history. We will unravel the impact they had on European exploration, delve into the significant encounter with the Americas, and explore the controversies surrounding Christopher Columbus . Brace yourself for a journey through history that shaped the course of continents and ignited debates that continue to this day.

Impact on European Exploration

Christopher Columbus’s voyages had a profound impact on European exploration. Primarily, his voyages served as a gateway to new trade routes and the expansion of known territories. Consequently, this led to a significant increase in European presence and influence in the Americas. As a result, opportunities for colonization, trade, and the acquisition of resources emerged.

Furthermore, Columbus’s voyages ignited a wave of exploration and discovery among other European nations , as they competed with Spain for wealth and power in the New World. This fierce rivalry ultimately led to the exploration and colonization of various regions, including North and South America, Africa, and Asia.

In addition, Columbus’s voyages culturally influenced the Columbian Exchange , which facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World and the New World . The consequences of this exchange were far-reaching, as it introduced new crops, animals, and diseases to both continents.

It is a well-established fact that Columbus’s voyages sparked intense exploration and colonization by European powers, ultimately resulting in the establishment of colonies and empires worldwide.

Encounter with the Americas

Christopher Columbus’s encounter with the Americas in 1492 marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization in the region. During his first voyage, Columbus landed on the islands of the Caribbean, including present-day Bahamas and Hispaniola. This encounter with the Americas opened up new trade routes and sparked the interest of other European powers in exploring and claiming territories.

The impact of Columbus’s encounter with the Americas was significant. It led to the exploration and colonization of the region by European powers. It also resulted in the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases between the Old World and the New World.

However, Columbus’s voyages and the subsequent colonization gave rise to controversies. Concerns and debates surround the treatment of indigenous peoples, the transatlantic slave trade, and the negative consequences on native cultures.

Pro-tip: When studying historical events, it is important to consider different perspectives and understand their broader implications on the world.

Controversies Surrounding Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus’s voyages were marked by various controversies. One significant controversy revolves around the detrimental impact on indigenous populations. Millions of Native Americans perished due to European colonization, which included the introduction of diseases by Columbus and his crew. Columbus and subsequent European settlers subjected indigenous people to forced labor and slavery, further intensifying the controversy.

Another controversy stems from the ill treatment of indigenous people . Columbus and his men resorted to violence, committing acts such as murder and rape against the indigenous populations they encountered. These actions have faced widespread criticism as adverse consequences of colonization.

The observance of Columbus Day also sparks controversy. Although it is celebrated as a national holiday in the United States to commemorate Columbus’s “ discovery ” of the Americas, there is a growing recognition of its negative impact on indigenous populations. Many argue that celebrating Columbus Day disregards the history of violence and oppression endured by indigenous communities.

Columbus Day

Discover the captivating world of Columbus Day! Dive into the rich history and observance surrounding this celebrated event. From the origins of Christopher Columbus’s remarkable journey to the vibrant traditions that have evolved throughout the years, prepare to be immersed in an exploration of cultural heritage. We’ll also uncover the catchy Columbus Day song, adding a melodic touch to the festivities. Get ready to sail through a riveting encounter with Columbus Day like never before!

History and Observance

Columbus Day , also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some places, has a long history and is observed on the second Monday of October each year. It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival to the Americas in 1492 and is celebrated in various countries, primarily in the Americas. This holiday serves as a reminder of Columbus’s journey and its impact on the New World.

The history of Columbus Day dates back to the late 18th century when it was first celebrated in the United States. It became an official federal holiday in 1937, honoring Columbus’s achievements and the Italian-American heritage. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, highlighting the importance of Native American cultures and the adverse effects of colonization.

The observance of Columbus Day varies from country to country and within different regions of the same country. In some places, it is marked with parades, concerts, and other festivities, while in others, it is a more solemn occasion focused on the history and impact of Columbus’s voyages. Educational programs and discussions may take place to raise awareness of colonialism and its consequences.

Columbus Day Song

Here are some popular Columbus Day songs to celebrate the holiday:

• “1492” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
• “Columbus Day” by Danny Weinkauf
• “In 1492” by Tyrone Wells
• “Sailing the Ocean Blue” by Bongos
• “Columbus Was His Name, Oh!” traditional children’s song

These Columbus Day songs honor Christopher Columbus and teach about his voyages in a fun and engaging way.

As you celebrate Columbus Day, consider playing these Columbus Day songs or singing them with family and friends. They can add a festive and educational aspect to your holiday festivities.

References and Further Reading

• Christopher Columbus: The Life and Voyages by Samuel Eliot Morison is a comprehensive biography that provides detailed information about Columbus’s journeys across the Atlantic.
• The Log of Christopher Columbus’s First Voyage by Christopher Columbus is a primary source document that offers insights into Columbus’s experiences and observations during his voyage.
• The Four Voyages: Being His Own Log-Book, Letters and Dispatches with Connecting Narratives by Christopher Columbus is another primary source collection that chronicles Columbus’s four voyages to the Americas.
• Columbus: The Four Voyages by Laurence Bergreen delves into the complexities of Columbus’s expeditions and their impact on world history.
• The Diario of Christopher Columbus’s First Voyage to America, 1492-1493 edited by Oliver Dunn and James E. Kelley is a translation of Columbus’s original journal, offering an intimate look at his thoughts and experiences during the first voyage.

These resources provide valuable insights into the life, voyages, and thoughts of Christopher Columbus . Whether you are a history enthusiast or conducting research, these books and primary source documents offer a wealth of information for further reading and exploration into the world of Christopher Columbus .

Some Well-Known Facts About “What Year Did Christopher Columbus Sail The Ocean Blue”:

• ✅ Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in the year 1492. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Columbus embarked on his famous voyage on August 3, 1492. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Columbus sailed from Palos in southern Spain with three ships: the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Queen Isabella supported Columbus’ expedition after he made an intriguing proposal to her. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Columbus documented his journey through his journal entries and wrote a letter detailing his experiences and discoveries. (Source: Our Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

What year did christopher columbus sail the ocean blue.

Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

What were the three ships that Columbus traveled with?

The three ships that Columbus traveled with were the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

Who funded Columbus’s expedition to the Americas?

Columbus’s expedition to the Americas was funded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

When did Columbus Day become a federal holiday?

Columbus Day became a federal holiday in April 1937.

Why is Columbus Day observed on the second Monday in October?

Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October to provide a long weekend for people to celebrate the holiday.

Did Columbus believe that the Earth was flat?

No, despite popular belief, Columbus did not believe that the Earth was flat. He had knowledge of the Earth’s shape, but underestimated its size.

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Christopher Columbus (1451 – 1506) was an Italian explorer, navigator and colonist who played a key role in shaping the history of the world as it was his voyages that initiated widespread contact between the Old World, i.e. Africa, Asia and Europe ; and the New World, i.e. the Americas . Columbus was born in the Republic of Genoa and lived in Portugal before eventually going on to settle in Spain . Columbus wanted to find a sea route to Asia by sailing across the Atlantic . He was not successful in his endeavor but ended up leading the first European expeditions to the Caribbean, Central America and South America . His voyages were beneficial for Europe and made possible the colonization of the Americas. Columbus was responsible for the Columbian Exchange , an event that changed the history of mankind . There are numerous negative aspects of the effects of his voyages as well as in his personal life; like he regularly used torture and mutilation to govern Hispaniola ; he promoted slavery ; and his voyages ultimately led to the extinction of the civilizations of the Americas . However, in this article we focus on the 10 major accomplishments of Columbus.

#1 HE INDEPENDENTLY DISCOVERED THE AMERICAS

It was nearly impossible in the 15th century to head into Asia from Europe via land . The route was long and laden with hostile armies. While the Portuguese explorers were solving this quandary by sailing across the West African coast and around the Cape of Good Hope, Columbus put forth the notion of sailing across the Atlantic . The plans of Columbus were however based on faulty European mathematics . He calculated the circumference of the earth as much smaller than it actually was and thought that the proposed journey would be easy to complete. Though his calculations were faulty and he never discovered an alternate route to Asia , Columbus ended up independently discovering the Americas. Though he was not the first to discover the Americas , it was his voyage that redefined history and was instrumental in initiating centuries of conquest and colonization, asserting Europe’s dominance over the world.

#2 HE DISCOVERED A VIABLE SAILING ROUTE TO THE AMERICAS

Columbus started his career by serving as an apprentice to some of the most influential families in Genoa. He eventually went on to be recognized as a seagoing entrepreneur. He sailed to Iceland and Ireland with the merchant marine in 1477 and was trading sugar in Madeira by 1478 as an agent for the Genoese firm of Centurioni. Then, after years of lobbying, Columbus’s plan to discover an alternate route to Asia was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain . They hoped that he would discover a route to China and India, that were famous for their spices and gold, among other things. Columbus left Spain in August 1492 with three ships: the Nina , the Pinta and the Santa Maria . He made landfall in the Americas on October 12, 1492 in the Bahama Islands . Though not known to him then, Columbus had reached the eastern coast of the Americas , a continent which was not then known to the Old World . Though he was not the first man to discover the Americas, Columbus did find a viable sailing route to the Americas , which was no mean achievement.

#3 HE LED FIRST EUROPEAN EXPEDITIONS TO THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA AND SOUTH AMERICA

Christopher Columbus undertook three more expeditionary voyages from Spain to the New World. His second voyage began on 24th September 1493 with a fleet of 17 ships carrying 1,200 men . The expedition contained supplies to establish permanent colonies in the New World. In November, 1493 his crew saw land and discovered the Dominica, Guadeloupe and Jamaica islands . In March, 1496, he set sail back to Spain. On May 30, 1498, Columbus left with six ships for his third trip to the New World. In July, the same year , he landed on the island of Trinidad . He then explored the Gulf of Paria and finally touched South America . Due to bad health, he returned to Hispaniola on August 19, 1498 . The fourth voyage of Columbus began in May 1502 . During this voyage he reached Central America . He sailed back to Spain in 1504 . Columbus thus led the first European expeditions to the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

#4 HIS SETTLEMENT PROVIDED SPAIN STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR EXPANSION IN THE NEW WORLD

The four voyages of Columbus provided a plethora of information to the Europeans about sailing from Europe to the Americas ; as well as about the various kinds of people who resided in the New World . Apart from the information gathered from his voyages, another important repercussion of his expeditions was the island of Hispaniola . Founded by Columbus on his voyages in 1492 and 1493, Hispaniola was the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas . This ultimately aided Spain in its conquest of the west as the island’s position in the northern flank of the Caribbean Sea proved to be a strategic standpoint for the expansion of Spain to Cuba, Mexico, Panama and South America.

#5 HE MADE COLONIZATION POSSIBLE FOR SPAIN

Columbus’s efforts as an explorer set forth a chain of events that allowed Spain to establish a permanent foothold on the American continents . Spain started this by destroying the Aztecs, the Incas and the Mayan cultures , which paved way for 500 years of Western domination . In essence, Columbus’s voyages resulted in an everlasting contact between the Western and Eastern hemispheres of the world. While this resulted in the destruction of the native people of the Americas , it proved to be the basis on which our modern world is built . Led by Spain, the Europeans gained exceedingly due to the efforts of Columbus helping them prosper at the expense of their colonies and paving the way for their domination of the modern world.

#6 HE HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE HISTORY OF MANKIND

Columbian Exchange is a term coined by Alfred W. Crosby in his revolutionary book The Columbian Exchange which was published in 1972 . The term refers to the widespread exchange of animals, plants, human populations, diseases, technology and ideas that occurred between Afro-Eurasia and the Americas after Christopher Columbus landed in the New World . For instance, potatoes, corn and tomatoes were introduced to the Old World. Similarly, cattle, hogs and sheep were introduced to the people of America. The Columbian Exchange is one of the most important events in the history of mankind which had a great impact on the world in numerous ways . Thus, in a way, Columbus altered the history of mankind through his voyages.

#7 COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE EXPANDED THE FOOD SUPPLY IN THE AMERICAS

Prior to the Columbian Exchange, the Old World had never seen a catfish or a tomato while the Native Americans had never seen a cow or an apple. Due to the Columbian Exchange a lot of crops and animals were introduced to both Old and New World. Crops introduced to Old World include potato, tomato, maize, cacao and tobacco . Crops introduced to New World include rice, wheat, apples, bananas and coffee . Turkey and Llama are probably the only prominent New World domesticated animals which were introduced to the Old World. However many animals were imported to the New World including horses, cows, chickens, donkeys and pigs . These animals, especially pigs because they breed very quickly, expanded the food supply in the Americas .

#8 IT ALSO CAUSED A HUGE INCREASE IN POPULATION IN THE OLD WORLD

The plants from the Americas had a huge impact on the Old World . Lives of millions of people in Africa, Europe and Asia were changed radically due to the introduction of New World crops. New World plants like potatoes and maize could grow in soils which were useless for Old World crops . Today China and India are the largest producers and consumers of potatoes in the world. Cassava provides more calories than any plant on earth and is the basic diet of more than half a million people in the developing world . As the crops from the Americas were far more caloric than Old World food it led to probably the greatest population increase the world had ever seen . Between 1650 and 1850 the population of the world doubled .

#9 HE SERVED AS GOVERNOR OF HISPANIOLA

Christopher Columbus was widely regarded as an expert navigator and maritime explorer of his time . He held many important titles and positions during his lifetime. In 1492, Columbus received the title of “Almirante mayor del Mar Oceano” which translates to “Admiral of the Ocean” . Columbus had a legal agreement with the Spanish Crown that entitled him to a percentage of their profits from his discoveries. He was also granted the viceroyalty and governorship of any lands that he might discover . Following his first voyage, Columbus was appointed Viceroy and Governor of the Indies . In effect, this meant that he was given power to administer the colonies in the island of Hispaniola. He held this title from 1492 to 1499 , after which he was dismissed due to accusations of tyranny and incompetence .

#10 HE IS REGARDED AS A MAJOR FIGURE IN SPANISH HISTORY

Christopher Columbus is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Spanish history . His contribution has been commemorated via a monument that stands as a tall pillar pointing towards the sea in Barcelona. In addition to this, Columbus Day is celebrated in America on the second Monday of October . While he was unable to fulfil his dream of finding a new passage to Asia, Christopher Columbus’ voyages gave headway to events that shaped the world for hundreds of years . In this regard, he is considered one of the most influential explorers in history .

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE

Although it can’t be established certainly how many Native Americans died due to the arrival of Europeans but it is estimated that 80-95 percent died in the 150 years following the arrival of Columbus . The most affected regions lost 100 percent of their indigenous population. Though European brutality was a factor, the primary reason behind this were the diseases introduced to the New World through Columbian Exchange like smallpox, measles, malaria, typhus, chicken pox and yellow fever . Also due to the Columbian Exchange, the diversity of life on earth has diminished drastically and planting crops where they don’t belong has hurt the environment. Man and “the plants and animals that he brings with him have caused the extinction of more species of life forms in the last four hundred years than the usual processes of evolution might kill off in a million”.

27 thoughts on “10 Major Accomplishments of Christopher Columbus”

Very good exposition

Thanks for your appreciation.

columbus is def from spain

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Christopher Columbus' voyages

Christopher Columbus' voyages refer to the four expeditions made by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus between 1492 and 1504, which led to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Imagine you're playing a video game where you discover a new land. Just like how Christopher Columbus set sail and explored new territories, your character embarks on an adventurous journey to uncover uncharted areas on the map.

Related terms

Exploration : The act of traveling to unknown places in order to discover or learn about them.

Colonization : The process of establishing settlements by a group of people from a different region or country in a new territory.

Conquistadors : Adventurers and explorers who were part of Spain's efforts to conquer and colonize parts of the Americas.

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AP European History

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How did Christopher Columbus' voyages impact interactions between Europeans and Native Americans?

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The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus

Second Voyage Adds Colonization and Trading Posts to Exploration Goals

Preparations for the Second Voyage

Dominica, guadalupe and the antilles, hispaniola and the fate of la navidad, cuba and jamaica, columbus as governor, the start of the enslaved indigenous peoples trade, people of note in columbus’ second voyage, historical importance of the second voyage.

• Ph.D., Spanish, Ohio State University
• M.A., Spanish, University of Montana
• B.A., Spanish, Penn State University

Christopher Columbus returned from his first voyage in March 1493, having discovered the New World—although he didn’t know it. He still believed that he had found some uncharted islands near Japan or China and that further exploration was needed. His first voyage had been a bit of a fiasco, as he had lost one of the three ships entrusted to him and he did not bring back much in the way of gold or other valuable items. He did, however, bring back a group of Indigenous people he had enslaved on the island of Hispaniola, and he was able to convince the Spanish crown to finance the second voyage of discovery and colonization.

The second voyage was to be a large-scale colonization and exploration project. Columbus was given 17 ships and over 1,000 men. Included on this voyage, for the first time, were European domesticated animals such as pigs, horses, and cattle. Columbus’ orders were to expand the settlement on Hispaniola, convert the population of Indigenous people to Christianity, establish a trading post, and continue his explorations in search of China or Japan. The fleet set sail on October 13, 1493, and made excellent time, first sighting land on November 3.

The island first sighted was named Dominica by Columbus, a name it retains to this day. Columbus and some of his men visited the island, but it was inhabited by fierce Caribs and they did not stay very long. Moving on, they discovered and explored a number of small islands, including Guadalupe, Montserrat, Redondo, Antigua, and several others in the Leeward Islands and Lesser Antilles chains. He also visited Puerto Rico before making his way back to Hispaniola.

Columbus had wrecked one of his three ships the year of his first voyage. He had been forced to leave 39 of his men behind on Hispaniola, in a small settlement named La Navidad . Upon returning to the island, Columbus discovered that the men he left had raped Indigenous women and angered the population. Indigenous people had then attacked the settlement, slaughtering the Europeans to the last man. Columbus, consulting his Indigenous chieftain ally Guacanagarí, laid the blame on Caonabo, a rival chief. Columbus and his men attacked, routing Caonabo and capturing and enslaving many of the people.

Columbus founded the town of Isabella on the northern coast of Hispaniola, and spent the next five months or so getting the settlement established and exploring the island. Building a town in a steamy land with inadequate provisions is hard work, and many of the men became sick and died. It reached the point where a group of settlers, led by Bernal de Pisa, attempted to capture and make off with several ships and go back to Spain: Columbus learned of the revolt and punished the plotters. The settlement of Isabella remained but never thrived. It was abandoned in 1496 in favor of a new site, now Santo Domingo .

Columbus left the settlement of Isabella in the hands of his brother Diego in April, setting out to explore the region further. He reached Cuba (which he had discovered on his first voyage) on April 30 and explored it for several days before moving on to Jamaica on May 5. He spent the next few weeks exploring the treacherous shoals around Cuba and searching in vain for the mainland. Discouraged, he returned to Isabella on August 20, 1494.

Columbus had been appointed governor and Viceroy of the new lands by the Spanish crown, and for the next year and a half, he attempted to do his job. Unfortunately, Columbus was a good ship’s captain but a lousy administrator, and those colonists that still survived grew to hate him. The gold they had been promised never materialized and Columbus kept most of what little wealth was found for himself. Supplies began running out, and in March of 1496 Columbus returned to Spain to ask for more resources to keep the struggling colony alive.

Columbus brought back many enslaved Indigenous people with him. Columbus, who had once again promised gold and trade routes, did not want to return to Spain empty-handed. Queen Isabella , appalled, decreed that the New World Indigenous people were subjects of the Spanish crown and therefore could not be enslaved. However, the practice of enslaving Indigenous populations continued.

• Ramón Pané was a Catalan priest who lived among the Taíno people for about four years and produced a short but very important ethnographic history of their culture.
• Francisco de Las Casas was an adventurer whose son Bartolomé was destined to become very important in the fight for the rights of Indigenous people.
• Diego Velázquez was a conquistador who later became governor of Cuba.
• Juan de la Cosa was an explorer and cartographer who produced several important early maps of the Americas.
• Juan Ponce de León would become governor of Puerto Rico but was most famous for his journey to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth .

Columbus’ second voyage marked the start of colonialism in the New World, the social importance of which cannot be overstated. By establishing a permanent foothold, Spain took the first steps toward its mighty empire of the centuries that followed, an empire that was built with New World gold and silver.

When Columbus brought back enslaved Indigenous peoples to Spain, he also caused the question of whether to practice enslavement in the New World to be aired openly, and Queen Isabella decided that her new subjects could not be enslaved. But although Isabella perhaps prevented a few instances of enslavement, the conquest and colonization of the New World was devastating and deadly for Indigenous peoples: their population dropped by approximately 80% between 1492 and the mid-17th century. The drop was caused mainly by the arrival of Old World diseases, but others died as a result of violent conflict or enslavement.

Many of those who sailed with Columbus on his second voyage went on to play very important roles in the trajectory of history in the New World. These first colonists had a significant amount of influence and power over the span of the next few decades.

• Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the Present . New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962.
• Thomas, Hugh. "Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire, from Columbus to Magellan." Hardcover, 1st edition, Random House, June 1, 2004.
• The Third Voyage of Christopher Columbus
• Biography of Christopher Columbus
• 10 Facts About Christopher Columbus
• The Truth About Christopher Columbus
• Biography of Christopher Columbus, Italian Explorer
• La Navidad: First European Settlement in the Americas
• The First New World Voyage of Christopher Columbus (1492)
• Biography of Juan Ponce de León, Conquistador
• The Fourth Voyage of Christopher Columbus
• Biography of Bartolomé de Las Casas, Spanish Colonist
• Biography of Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, Conquistador
• Where Are the Remains of Christopher Columbus?
• The Florida Expeditions of Ponce de Leon
• The Controversy Over Columbus Day Celebrations
• The History of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic