Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus: The Explorer Who Changed the Course of History
Christopher Columbus was an Italian navigator and explorer who is famously credited with discovering the Americas in 1492, though indigenous peoples had lived there for thousands of years. Sailing under the flag of Spain, Columbus set out to find a new trade route to Asia, but instead landed in the Caribbean. His historic voyage marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the American continents, forever altering the history of the world.
To learn more about key events that shaped early American history, visit our Founding of America main page.
Early Life of Columbus
Columbus was born in Genoa to Domenico Colombo and Susanna Fontanarossa. His father was a wool weaver. During his teenage years, Columbus joined a merchant ship. He worked there till 1470 and gained important seafaring experience.
Columbus studied mathematics, astronomy, navigation, and cartography in Lisbon. In 1473, he became the business manager of Centurione, Di Negro, and Spinola families. He married Filipa Moniz, and they eventually had a son named Diego.
A Sea Route to Asia
Europe had a very profitable relationship with the Byzantine Empire. They gained easy access to the vast Asian market and were able to export various exotic items. But the fall of the Empire led to huge issues, and Europe started looking for alternative routes.
Columbus believed that by traveling west, they could reach Asia much faster. He presented this idea in 1484 to King Joao who rejected it. Columbus then took his proposal to Ferdinand II and Isabella I. Although both of them were interested in the plan, although they were too busy at that time. Later after conquering Grenada, they funded Columbus’s First Voyage.
Discovery of North America
During his first Voyage, Columbus discovered the Americas. He set out on August 3rd, 1492 and was awarded three ships. The first piece of land was found on October 12th and was named San Salvador. Columbus thought that this island was part of Asia and therefore called the native Indians.
He formed a good relationship with them and continued his adventure. Columbus also explored Cuba, Hispaniola. On 25th December he lost Santa Maria and left thirty-nine of his men behind who formed the first European settlement named La Navidad.
Return to Spain and later Voyages
Columbus returned to Spain in March 1943 and was given the welcome of a hero. In September 1943, he set out on the second expedition and was given the task of establishing permanent residence in the New World.
The Santo Domingo city was created, and Columbus became its governor. He returned to Spain in March 1946. In May 1948, the third voyage took place, Columbus explored South America in this trip. The last voyage took place in May 1502. Columbus explored Central America, the Caribbean, and Jamaica. He returned to Spain in 1504.
Later Life and Death
In his later life, Columbus wrote two books, A Book of Privileges, which mentioned the rewards he received from the Spanish Crown and The Book of Prophecies in which he pointed how his voyages were a fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
The Spanish Crown had promised Columbus 10% of all trades done in the New World. However, they refused to fulfill it. This resulted in a series of legal battles known as Columbian Lawsuits. Columbus died on May 20th, 1506.
Who was Christopher Columbus?
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
Did Columbus really discover America?
Columbus was not the first to discover the Americas, but his voyages brought the continents to the attention of Europe, which led to widespread exploration and colonization.
When did Columbus first arrive in the Americas?
Columbus made landfall in the Caribbean on October 12, 1492, during his first voyage.
What were the names of Columbus’s ships?
Columbus sailed with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
Where was Columbus from?
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, a city in modern-day Italy.
How many voyages did Columbus make?
Columbus made a total of four voyages to the New World between 1492 and 1504.
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