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Christopher ColumbusNicole SteliotesOlivia Roberson
Period 8
Background InformationChristopher Columbus was
born in Genoa, Italy in about 1451. His first job was on a merchant ship as in various roles, including messenger, common sailor, and a 21-year-old privateer. He later lived in Lisbon, where he studied mathematics, astronomy, cartography and navigation.
Reason for ExplorationAt the end of the 15th century, it
was difficult to reach Asia from Europe by land. The route was long and armies were hard to avoid. Christopher Columbus wanted to find a new route to the East. Before exploring, he had to propose plans to the Portuguese and Spanish kings, but he was repeatedly turned down until finally King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella promised they would fund him. He was not only going for the three G’s, but he would also be claiming land for the King.
His Route to the EastEvery other sailor was trying to reach
other lands by sailing east. Columbus decided to sail west, knowing he would eventually reach the same destination since they knew the earth was round. Columbus set sail on August 3, 1492 from Palos, Spain, and on October 11, 1492, arrived at the Caribbean islands. He landed in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. Columbus’ men traveled to the islands of Hispaniola now divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Although he thought he had made it to Asia on a different route, he had actually reached South America.
Why so Important?Columbus’ exploration was so
important because it made the Europeans much more aware of the new world, which encouraged them to continue seeking new land in North and South America through the 1500s. Today, his exploration is important because our language and culture have evolved from his people. His language, Spanish, is the second most spoken language in the world today. Many races have arisen from these various migrations.
ReferencesNMM Learning Team. "Christopher Columbus (1451-
1506)." Royal Museums Greenwich. National Maritime Museum, 2013. Web. 03 May 2013. <http://www.rmg.co.uk/columbus>.
"Primary History- Famous People- Christopher Columbus." BBC News. BBC, 2013. Web. 03 May 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/christopher_columbus/>.
Halsall, Paul. "Medieval Sourcebook: Christopher Columbus: Extracts from Journal." Internet History Sourcebooks Project. N.p., 1996. Web. 06 May 2013. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus1.asp>.
