Honoring Our Explorers Ferdinand Magellan

Introduction I would like to present to the King of Spain the importance and urgency of a westward route to Asia. The aim of Christopher Columbus’s 1492–1503 voyages to the West had been to reach the Indies and to establish commercial relations between Spain and the Asian kingdoms. The Spanish soon realized that the lands of the Americas were not a part of Asia, but a new continent. The 1494 Treaty of Tordesdillas reserved for Portugal the eastern routes that went around Africa. It is urgent for Spain to find a new commercial route to Asia. So, I would like to travel west to find a new route for Spain to use exclusively, to create a relationship for trade with Asia. I have a route mapped out and if successful I would like several things in return for my successful voyage. They will be listed in the rewards section of this presentation.

Westward Route

Payment for a Successful Voyage Monopoly of the discovered route for a period of ten years. Appointment as governors of the lands and islands found, with 5% of the resulting net gains. A fifth of the gains of the travel. The right to levy one million dollars on upcoming trips, paying only 5% on the remainder. Granting of an island for each leader.

Provisions I would need five ships. A crew of 234 men. I would need five captains to lead the crew of these ships. Food for the long voyage across the sea. Wages for the journey of $2,000 per crew member. Wages for the Captains would be $5,000 per Captain.

Qualifications of Crew and Leaders Crew Qualifications Strong Men that can be away at sea for months Men that can follow orders and work as a team Men that are willing to give their lives for their country Captains Qualifications A man that has been in a leadership position with a record of exemplary service A man that can lead a crew of men and secure their loyal following

Agenda Find an alternative route to Asia, because Portugal has been promised that route. Still maintain a good relationship with Portugal Head down the coast of South America and across the Pacific Ocean to arrive in Asia Set up a trade service with Asia for Spices

Conclusion We need funding for our ships and crew. We could make Spain more Politically involved with other countries and make money for the country by setting up an alternative route that would be exclusive to our use for trading with Asia. In return we would like ownership of lands discovered and governing rights for these lands granted. We would like a percentage of all money earned through the trades of anyone using this route. It would be very beneficial for our country while still keeping peace with other countries also trading with Spain.