Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451-15061451-1506

For many years Christopher Columbus asked Queen For many years Christopher Columbus asked Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain to sponsor his Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain to sponsor his voyage west. voyage west.

He believed he could find a short cut to China and He believed he could find a short cut to China and India. After 7 years they finally said yes.India. After 7 years they finally said yes.

Columbus had three small ships built and Columbus had three small ships built and hired about 90 sailors for the trip west.hired about 90 sailors for the trip west.

Christopher Columbus started the trip west Christopher Columbus started the trip west on August 3, 1492 with three ships.on August 3, 1492 with three ships.

Pinta Nina Santa Maria

Columbus left Spain and sailed west. He hoped to Columbus left Spain and sailed west. He hoped to find a shortcut to China and India.find a shortcut to China and India.

India

China

The crew grew very impatient. They complained The crew grew very impatient. They complained that the voyage was taking too long. They wanted that the voyage was taking too long. They wanted to return to Spain. But Columbus was a strong to return to Spain. But Columbus was a strong captain and calmed the crew down.captain and calmed the crew down.

The crew finally saw land on October 12, 1492. The crew finally saw land on October 12, 1492. They went ashore and put the Spanish flag in the They went ashore and put the Spanish flag in the ground and claimed the land for Spain.ground and claimed the land for Spain.

Columbus traded with the local Indians. He was Columbus traded with the local Indians. He was very interested in the gold bracelets and nose rings very interested in the gold bracelets and nose rings the Indians were wearing.the Indians were wearing.

Columbus left some of his men on the island and Columbus left some of his men on the island and returned to Spain on March 3, 1493.returned to Spain on March 3, 1493.

Columbus gave the Queen and King of Spain Columbus gave the Queen and King of Spain colorful feathers from birds, some gold bracelets colorful feathers from birds, some gold bracelets and rings, and some Indians.and rings, and some Indians.

Columbus made three more voyages to the Caribbean Islands, thinking he had reached India. He brought many things with him.

ColonistsHorses

Plant Seeds

Sugar CaneWheat

Germs Disease

Columbus returned to Spain with many items.

People, plants, animals, and diseases move back and forth between North America and Europe

crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Europe

This movement has a special name.

Columbus never knew he had discovered a new continent. He died believing he had found a short cut to India and China.

Many people believe Columbus was a great

explorer.

Some people believe he was a ruthless man who

caused the death of many Indians living in the Caribbean Islands.

What do you believe?