Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is an amazing figure of past history. He was known as the discoverer of America and the first true American. Recent studies have brought up a question if maybe Christopher Columbus is not the "hero" we where thought to believe in elementary school. Its is proven that Columbus' methods of beginning colonies and taking land where cruel and barbaric. Christopher Columbus has turned out to be a different man from what I grew up believing.

The first change that was brought to mind was the fashion in which Columbus ascertained the funding and supplies for his initial trip around the other side of the world. Mr. Columbus was quite a sales pitch expert. He wanted to find a passage to China, through unmarked waters. He had to receive funding for the great adventure, which had to be covered by the richest of the rich. The only place he could go would have to be the king of Spain. The fact that Columbus was Italian (a foreigner) he had to definitely make an impression on the king. Another problem was the fact that Columbus had never actually been a captain on a ship, only a passenger. There was also not a huge market for a Trans-Atlantic voyage. The fact that the idea of the world being round was a somewhat new aspect. It was amazing that this trip had started at all. The price of this trip included several boats, manpower, and survival supplies. This was all he needed to do the trip. This was not enough. Christopher wanted 10% commission on all commerce between his discoveries and the mother country, the title of Admiral of the Ocean Sea, permanent position of governor of all new territories, and a long list of other personal demands. Columbus understood the importance of helping others get what they wanted. He presented the royalty with dreams of wealth and glory. He even appealed to their desire to spread their religious faith. He demonstrated to them that funding his voyage was the way to get what they wanted most in life. It had taken him seven years in Portugal and seven more years of begging and pleading in Spain. This single-minded passion to get rich had finally paid off when he got his wants and demands covered financially. It is obvious the Columbus was out for the money and not for science or exploration. He was quite the salesman and con man.

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