Christopher Columbus
- Born:
- Between August 25 and October 31, 1451, Republic of Genoa
- Died:
- May 20, 1506, Valladolid, Crown of Castile
- Nationality:
- Genoese (later became Castilian)
- Profession(s):
- Navigator, Colonizer, Explorer
Early Life and Education
- Early life details are scarce, but believed to have come from a modest background in Genoa.
- Apprenticed as a weaver and later worked as a chartmaker and book dealer.
- Gained maritime experience through voyages in the Mediterranean and possibly further afield.
- Developed a strong interest in geography and navigation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Convinced the Catholic Monarchs of Spain to finance a voyage west across the Atlantic in search of a new route to the Indies.
- Made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean between 1492 and 1502.
- Established contact between Europe and the Americas, initiating the Columbian Exchange.
- Claimed land for the Spanish Crown, initiating the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
- Served briefly as Governor of Hispaniola, but was later removed due to administrative issues.
Notable Works
- Journal of his first voyage, which provided the primary source of information about his explorations.
- Letter to Luis de Santángel, describing his discoveries and promoting further exploration.
Legacy and Impact
Christopher Columbus's voyages had a profound and lasting impact on world history. While he did not "discover" America (as indigenous peoples already inhabited the continents), his voyages initiated the Columbian Exchange, leading to significant cultural, economic, and ecological changes on both sides of the Atlantic. The voyages also marked the beginning of European colonization of the Americas, with long-lasting consequences for indigenous populations. The historical figure of Christopher Columbus remains a subject of ongoing debate and reevaluation.
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