BELL RINGER List at least 5 things you know about Christopher Columbus

Spain wanted a share of the Asian spice trade so… Portuguese sailors had found a water route around Africa to the East Indies to use as trade routes for spices

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain financed a voyage of exploration by… Christopher Columbus (Italian sea captain)

Columbus planned to reach the East Indies by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean

In August of 1492, Columbus set out with 3 ships and a crew of 90 sailors Columbus commanded the Santa Maria (the largest ship) Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria

The crew went a month without seeing any land then… Columbus decided to follow a flock of birds Southwest

On October 12, 1492… a lookout finally spotted land

Columbus rowed ashore and planted the banner of Spain on the beach He was convinced he had reached the East Indies in Asia

Columbus had actually reached the West Indies (islands off the coast of North and South America Columbus explored the islands for 3 months before returning to Spain to report his success Not the West Indies

Columbus Told King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of the Indians he met (the Tainos) He explained that the Tainos could be converted to Christianity and used as slaves

2 nd voyage ( ) 4 TH voyage ( ) 3 RD voyage ( ) Columbus made three more voyages, exploring Hispaniola, Jamaica, Central America, and parts of South America

After Columbus’ voyages, the Spanish claimed Taino land in the West Indies They forced Taino people to work in goldmines, on ranches, and in households Many Taino people died from European diseases

Christopher Columbus died on May 20 th, 1506 convinced he had reached Asia Curious Europeans now saw the new land Columbus had found as a place they could settle, trade, and grow rich