1. Christopher Columbus 1451-1506

2. For many years Christopher Columbus asked Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain to sponsor his voyage west.
He believed he could find a short cut to China and India. After 7 years they finally said yes.

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

4. Christopher Columbus started the trip west on August 3, 1492 with three ships.
Pinta
Santa Maria
Nina

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Columbus made three more voyages to the Caribbean Islands, thinking he had reached India. He brought many things with him.
Plant Seeds
Sugar Cane
Colonists
Horses
Wheat
Germs
Disease

12. Columbus returned to Spain with many items.

13. People, plants, animals, and diseases move back and forth between North America and Europe crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
Europe

14. This movement has a special name.
Columbian Exchange

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

16. 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?