Christopher Columbus

Overview

Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was an Italian explorer infamous for discovering America and subsequently taking all the credit. While most people believe he discovered America accidentally, Columbus stated that he did so because he forgot his GPS and got lost on his way to Asia. Although he is still celebrated in some cultures, he is often criticized for his cruel treatment of Native Americans.

Early Life

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, and grew up dreaming of exploring the world. As a child, he loved to draw maps of his backyard and would often pretend to be Marco Polo, a famous explorer from the 13th century. However, his parents didn’t share his enthusiasm for adventure and pushed him to become a wool weaver instead.

Voyage to America

In 1492, Columbus convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to fund an expedition to find a new trade route to Asia. Columbus gathered a crew and set sail with three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.

After weeks at sea, Columbus spotted land on October 12, 1492. He was thrilled, thinking he had finally reached Asia. Unfortunately, he had stumbled upon an entirely new continent, which he promptly claimed for Spain.

Legacy

Despite his discovery of America, Columbus had a controversial legacy. For one thing, he was not the first European to arrive in the New World, as Vikings had been there several centuries before him. Additionally, Columbus was responsible for the genocide of countless Native Americans and the enslavement of many more.

Today, Columbus is often remembered as a greedy and ambitious explorer who exploited the people and resources of the New World for his own personal gain. Nevertheless, he remains a prominent figure in history, and his legacy continues to be debated and re-evaluated.