Christopher Columbus

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Christopher Columbus

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Atlantic Ocean, Toscanelli, 1474

Christopher Columbus (before 31 October 1451 – 20 May 1506) was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Early life

The details of Columbus's early life are sparse, but he is believed to have been born in the Republic of Genoa (now part of modern Italy) and came from a family involved in the wool trade. Columbus had at least two brothers, Bartolomeo and Giovanni Pellegrino. He was largely self-educated, later becoming a skilled navigator and sailor.

Voyages

Columbus proposed to reach the East Indies by sailing westward. This proposal was based on the incorrect assumption that the distance between Europe and Asia was shorter across the ocean than along the Silk Road. After being rejected by the Portuguese king, he eventually secured the support of the Spanish monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

First Voyage (1492-1493)

Columbus set sail on 3 August 1492, from Palos de la Frontera, with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. On 12 October 1492, he made landfall on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. During this voyage, Columbus also explored parts of Cuba and Hispaniola.

Second Voyage (1493-1496)

On his second voyage, Columbus commanded a larger fleet of 17 ships. He explored more of the Caribbean, including the islands of Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Jamaica, establishing several colonies along the way.

Third Voyage (1498-1500)

Columbus's third voyage took him further south, to the coast of South America, including the Orinoco River's delta. This expedition led him to realize he had discovered a new continent. However, due to administrative issues and accusations of mismanagement, Columbus was arrested and returned to Spain in chains.

Fourth Voyage (1502-1504)

On his final voyage, Columbus sailed along the Central American coast, searching for a strait to the Indian Ocean. Despite facing numerous challenges, including shipwreck on Jamaica, he explored parts of Central America but did not find the passage he sought.

Legacy

Columbus's voyages had a profound impact on the world. They led to the widespread awareness of the Americas in Europe and marked the beginning of the European exploration and colonization of the continent. His expeditions also paved the way for the Columbian exchange, which introduced new products and commodities across the continents, profoundly affecting the world's history.

However, Columbus's legacy is controversial. His voyages and the subsequent European colonization of the Americas led to the exploitation and decline of the native populations due to diseases, warfare, and enslavement.

Death

Columbus died on 20 May 1506 in Valladolid, Spain, still believing he had found a new route to Asia. He was initially buried in Valladolid, but his remains were later moved to Seville, and then to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, and finally to the Cathedral of Seville.

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