Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus' Expedition

• Christopher Columbus was seeking a new route to Asia, particularly India, to access spices and other valuable resources

Unexpected Discovery

• Instead of reaching India, Columbus landed on the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador
• This discovery led to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas

First Landing in Central America

• When Columbus landed in Central America, he and his crew interacted with the indigenous Taino people
• Columbus took some Taino people as prisoners and forced others to convert to Christianity

Proof of Riches

• Columbus brought back Taino people, gold, and exotic plants to show off his riches and prove the success of his voyage
• This display of wealth and novelty sparked excitement and investment in future expeditions

Driving Force Behind Exploration

• The main motivation behind Columbus' exploration was the pursuit of wealth and the desire to spread Christianity
• Columbus believed that by establishing a new trade route, he could accumulate wealth and power, as well as spread Christianity to new lands