Columbus’s Voyage: Unveiling the Discovery of America
The Discovery of America
The late Middle Ages saw a convergence of factors that propelled the expansion leading to Columbus’s voyage to America.
Technological Advancements
New technologies played a crucial role, including advancements in cartography, navigational instruments like the astrolabe, and nautical techniques, particularly in shipbuilding with the development of ships like the caravel.
Economic Drivers
The economy experienced strong growth in international trade, creating a demand for precious metals and a faster, safer route to the Indies, known for its spices. Europe also sought political and ideological expansion, with Castile and Portugal, fresh from the Reconquista, eager to extend their influence. This ambition was fueled by humanist thinking that encouraged scientific curiosity.
Columbus’s Proposal
Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sailor, presented his project to reach the West Indies by sailing west to the Portuguese court. However, the Portuguese rejected his proposal, as Bartolomeu Dias had already navigated around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. Columbus then presented his project to the Catholic Monarchs, supported by Franciscan monks from La Rabida. Initially rejected due to the ongoing war in Granada, the project was eventually accepted. The Capitulations of Santa Fe (1492) were signed, granting Columbus the titles of Admiral, Viceroy, and Governor of the lands he discovered, the right to propose candidates for crown-appointed positions, and 10% of the profits.
The First Voyage
The voyage began in Palos on August 3, 1492, with three ships: the caravels La Pinta and La Niña, and the ship Santa María. The expedition was commanded by Columbus and the brothers Martín Alonso Pinzón and Vicente Yáñez. After a stopover in the Canary Islands, they set sail west on September 9, aided by trade winds. On October 12, they sighted land, reaching the island of Guanahani (now Watling Island in the Bahamas). After claiming the island, they explored other islands in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Santo Domingo, where they built Fort Christmas with the remains of the wrecked Santa María, leaving several sailors behind.
Return and Recognition
On January 16, they began their return journey, arriving in Lisbon on March 4, and then traveled to Barcelona, where they were received by the Monarchs with honors, presenting gold, exotic objects, and some indigenous people. Following this first voyage, the Pope asked the Catholic Monarchs to confirm their sovereignty over the discovered lands. The Bull Inter Caetera confirmed Spanish sovereignty over all lands discovered and to be discovered west of a meridian 100 leagues west of the Azores.
Treaty of Tordesillas
Portugal disagreed with this decision, leading to the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), which established a demarcation line 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands, dividing future Portuguese and Castilian possessions. Portugal gained territories east of this line, while Castile claimed the west. This division placed Brazil within the Portuguese zone.
Subsequent Voyages and Colonization
After his initial voyage, Columbus led other expeditions with more ships and personnel, initiating colonization and evangelization efforts among the indigenous populations. He continued exploring the West Indies, the coast of Panama, and the mouth of the Orinoco, seeking a passage to China, but never succeeded. Columbus’s governance was deemed inadequate, and the monarchs appointed Francisco de Bobadilla as governor, who accused Columbus of mismanagement. Columbus died in 1506.
Further Exploration
Following Columbus’s voyages, numerous expeditions focused on settlement, colonization, and evangelization. Vasco Núñez de Balboa was the first to cross the Isthmus of Panama and discover the Pacific Ocean. Explorers continued to occupy the continent from north to south, driven by exploration and conquest.