VHM Final Re

Christopher Columbus, an Italian discoverer patronized by the Spanish Crown,
embarked on a major passage in 1492 that would ever change the course of history.
His original purpose was to find a new route to Asia, Columbus accidentally
discovered the Americas, opening a new chapter in world history. His" discovery" of
America, while controversial and complex, his Discovery is frequently cited as a
vital moment in global history. This report delves into the disquisition trip of" New
World" America by Christopher Columbus, and the profound impact that the
exploration brought to America.
During the Age of Exploration in the 15th century, Europe was buzzing with
significant commercial activities. Ambitious merchants, eager to make substantial
profits, encouraged sailors and explorers to seek new lands to expand their
markets. This event provided the perfect conditions for passionate individuals,
driven by a love of discovery and conquest, like Christopher Columbus- an Italian
discoverer to fulfill their desires. He was one of the most notorious explorers of the
15th century and was determined to find a direct water route from Europe to Asia,
but rather, stumbled across America.
In the 1480s, Columbus became fascinated with the idea of Paolo Dal Pozzo
Toscanelli that sailing west from Europe would be a quicker route to the
Indies(Streicher, 1912). He presented his proposal to the royalty of Portugal, Genoa,
Venice, and England, but they all dismissed it, arguing that his calculations were
incorrect and that he faced certain death. Eventually, in 1486, Columbus
approached the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I,
Christopher Columbus wrote "The Journal of the First Voyage to America" to
persuade the Spanish Monarchy to fund his expeditions to explore the New World.
After four years, they finally agreed to support his plan. Columbus was entrusted
with the command of three exploration ships named Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.
His crew consisted of 88 sailors.
On August 3, 1492, Columbus led the expedition departing from the port of Spain to
sail westward. The purpose of the voyage of Columbus was to reach Asia,
notably India and China, where it was believed that there were abundant
treasures such as gold, pearls, diamonds, and silk . His expedition lasted longer
than anticipated, and after several months of continued sailing without sighting
land, the crew began to worry and demanded Columbus to turn back to Spain. He
made a pact with his crew that if land was not sighted within two days, he would
agree to turn the ships around Shortly after midnight on October 12, 1942, A sailor
from the Pinta shouted, "Tierra! Tierra!" meaning "Land! Land!" After sighting land,
Columbus named this landmass San Salvador. That is the famous Bahamas region
known today. The first indigenous people encountered by Columbus on the island
he named San Salvador were called "Indians," as he initially believed he had
reached India. He was convinced that they had reached the "East Indies," but in
reality, they had discovered a new land - the Americas
The exploration of the Americas by Christopher Columbus had profound and

lasting effects on the United States. Economically, it laid the groundwork for
European colonization, which led to the exploitation of vast natural resources and
the establishment of trade networks. The discovery by Columbus opened new sea
routes between Europe and the Americas, significantly boosting the development of
global trade and sparking a revolution in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures
between continents. For instance, The Columbian Exchange, the process of
exchanging crops, animals, goods, and ideas between continents, completely
transformed the economies and lifestyles of the participating nations. From my
point of view, the impact of opening new sea routes by Columbus is undeniable.
These new sea routes have opened doors to connect economies and cultures
around the world, offering new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
Nonetheless, it is also crucial to acknowledge that this development has been
uneven and has brought negative consequences for some countries and
communities, such as resource exploitation and infringement on their autonomy.
Overall, the opening of new sea routes is a significant innovation that has reshaped
the economic and cultural landscape of the world, bringing both opportunities and
challenges simultaneously.
Culturally, the voyages of Columbus initiated substantial exchanges and brought

about the introduction of European languages, religions, and customs to the
Americas. This fusion of cultures played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the
United States as a nation of diverse cultures. For example, European influences
have permeated various aspects of American society, including art, architecture,
cuisine, and fashion. The encounter between European settlers and indigenous
peoples led to the exchange of languages. For instance; English, Spanish, French,
and Portuguese becoming dominant languages in different regions of the Americas.
This linguistic diversity is reflected in the multicultural fabric of modern-day
America. On the whole, the cultural exchanges ignited by the voyages of Columbus
played a vital role in enriching the diverse fabric of American culture, highlighting
the reputation of America as a melting pot of global cultures and influences.
Politically, the exploration spurred European territorial claims, setting the stage for
forming the United States and its eventual independence from European powers.
However, his arrival in the Americas had devastating consequences for indigenous
peoples. The arrival of Columbus also led to the displacement and marginalization
of indigenous peoples, involving displacement, violence, and the spread of diseases
that decimated populations, resulting in centuries of injustice and trauma that
persist in affecting Native American communities today. From my perspective, the
exploration played a pivotal role in forming the United States, highlighting the
complex and often painful legacy of European colonization in the Americas. In my
opinion, the discovery of the Americas by Columbus profoundly influenced the
economic, cultural, and political landscape of the United States, leaving a complex
legacy that continues to be examined and debated, with effects that resonate
today.
In conclusion, although Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the Americas by

chance while seeking a sea route to Asia, his unintended discovery profoundly
altered the course of history. Richard Apgar describes Columbus as "an enlightener
before the Enlightenment". The world would not be as it is today without his
remarkable explorations. While his discovery of the Americas was a watershed
moment in human history, it is a legacy marked by both achievement and
adversity. While honoring his contributions to exploration, it is crucial to
acknowledge and learn from the injustices that accompanied his expeditions,
striving for a more nuanced understanding of history. Americans still dedicate a day
called Columbus Day to honor and commemorate the voyages and his contribution
to opening up the new world.

VHM Final Re

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

VHM Final Re

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

VHM Final Re

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Christopher Columbus, an Italian discoverer patronized by the Spanish Crown,

The exploration of the Americas by Christopher Columbus had profound and

Culturally, the voyages of Columbus initiated substantial exchanges and brought

In conclusion, although Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the Americas by

You might also like