Sent by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain
Died: May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain
Reasons for Exploring
Thought that Japan and the Indies were much closer than they are.
Explore a new route to the East Indies (Spice Islands).
Would become Governor of any lands discovered.
Keep 10% of wealth discovered.
Columbus’ First Voyage
August 3, 1492, Columbus left Spain to start his first voyage
He took 3 ships: Santa Maria, Nina, Pinta
On October 12, 1492, he discovered land- the island of San Salvador
This is the date it is said that he discovered the Americas
Columbus claimed the islands
The Santa Maria was destroyed on December 24, 1942
Columbus returned to Spain on the Nina
Spain had a huge reception for Columbus upon his return
They named him “Admiral of the Sea”
Columbus’ Second Voyage
October 1493, Columbus left Cadiz with a fleet of 17 ships carrying a total of 1,500 colonists.
He discovered the Leeward Islands, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
The colonists he had brought to Hispaniola just wanted gold and were completely disorderly. Some seized a ship and returned to Spain.
Columbus left his brother Bartholomew in charge of Hispaniola while he returned to Spain in 1496.
Columbus’ Third Voyage
In 1498, Columbus left for his 3rd expedition.
He was forced to transport convicts to be new colonists, because Hispaniola’s conditions were not good and the novelty of the new world was wearing off.
In 1500, the King and Queen of Spain sent an independent governor to Hispaniola because of the terrible conditions there under Columbus’ rule.
Columbus was taken back to Spain in chains.
He was released later, but his public support was growing wary.
Columbus’ Fourth Voyage
In 1502, Columbus gathered four more ships to make another voyage in attempt to reestablish his reputation.
He was hoping that if he sailed far enough west he would find Asian land.
He struck the coast of Central America.
After suffering many hardships, he returned to Spain with no other choice, but to give up his dream.
COLUMBUS DAY
First celebration of the discovery of the “New World” was in 1792, in New York.
In 1937, President Roosevelt proclaimed every October 12th as Columbus day.
In 1971, USA declared it a federal public holiday on the second Monday in October.
