Chapter 13, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 13: The Age of Exploration, 1500–1800
"The Mission of Columbus"

Introduction
The voyages of Columbus were motivated by more than the spirit of adventure of a courageous sailor. In a letter Columbus wrote to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Columbus describes a multi-faceted mission for the voyages that brought him to America. In this activity you will read the letter and one of the journal entries from Columbus's voyage. Through these documents, you can learn a great deal about Columbus's time, his worldview, and the motives for his voyages.

Destination Title: Internet History Sourcebooks Project: Travelers' Accounts

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Directions

Start at the Internet History Sourcebooks Project: Travelers' Accounts Web site.

Scroll down to the list entitled "Early Modern European Travelers."
Under "Christopher Columbus," click on and read Letter to King and Queen of Spain, taking notes as you go.
Go back and click on Selections from Journal. Scroll down and read the entry for 11 October.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. What are the two directions Columbus received from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella concerning the upcoming voyage?

2. Who does Columbus say has turned down repeated requests from India? What was the nature of the requests? Why is this important?

3. List the other peoples Columbus mentions. Why does he mention them?

4. What has Columbus been promised in return for his services?

5. On October 11, Columbus's sailors encountered the natives of an island in the Lucayos (Bahamas). Read the journal entry. Then, on a separate piece of paper, describe in writing the conclusions of the admiral about the natives. Compare the admiral's conclusions about the native people with Columbus's own comments in his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella. In your essay, discuss whether the admiral's comments and Columbus's letter reflect a similar or different worldview.