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Christopher Columbus: The Intrepid Explorer Who Changed the World

Douglas Powell

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Christopher Columbus (Step into Reading)

by Stephen Krensky

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	40 pages

Christopher Columbus, A Skilled Navigator And Explorer, Discovered The Americas In 1492 Christopher Columbus (Step Into Reading)

Early Life and Career

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. His father was a wool weaver, and his mother was a homemaker. Columbus had three brothers and one sister. He received a basic education and learned to read and write.

At the age of 14, Columbus went to sea and began to learn the trade of navigation. He sailed on merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea and learned about the different cultures and languages of the region.

In 1476, Columbus sailed to Portugal, which was at the forefront of European exploration. He studied the works of Portuguese navigators and cartographers and began to develop his own ideas about the world.

The Plan to Reach the East Indies

In the 15th century, Europeans were eager to find a sea route to the East Indies, which was the source of valuable spices and other goods. The traditional route to the East Indies was overland through the Middle East, but this route was long and dangerous.

Columbus believed that he could reach the East Indies by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean. He based this belief on the writings of ancient geographers, who believed that the world was round.

Columbus presented his plan to the Portuguese king, but the king was not interested. Columbus then approached the Spanish king and queen, Ferdinand and Isabella. They were more receptive to his plan, and they agreed to finance his expedition.

The First Voyage

On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. He sailed west for two months, across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. On October 12, 1492, he reached land.

Columbus believed that he had reached the East Indies, but he was actually in the Bahamas. He explored the islands and encountered the native people, who he called "Indians."

Columbus returned to Spain in March 1493, where he was hailed as a hero. He presented his findings to the king and queen, and they rewarded him with a grant of land and a title of nobility.

Subsequent Voyages

Columbus made three more voyages to the Americas. On his second voyage, he explored the islands of the Caribbean Sea. On his third voyage, he reached the mainland of South America. On his fourth voyage, he explored the coast of Central America.

Columbus's voyages had a profound impact on the world. He discovered new lands, new peoples, and new cultures. He also opened up the Americas to European colonization and exploitation.

Legacy

Christopher Columbus is a controversial figure. He is credited with discovering the Americas, but he also enslaved native peoples and introduced diseases that decimated their populations.

Columbus's legacy is still debated today. Some people argue that he was a great explorer who made a major contribution to humanity. Others argue that he was a ruthless conqueror who committed genocide against the native peoples of the Americas.

Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that Christopher Columbus was a pivotal figure in world history. His voyages changed the course of human civilization and had a lasting impact on the Americas. Buy Christopher Columbus Step Into Reading Book

Christopher Columbus (Step into Reading)

by Stephen Krensky

4.6 out of 5