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Christopher Columbus

Definition

An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening the way for widespread European exploration and the eventual conquest of the Americas by Europeans. His expeditions, sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, were the first European contact with the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Analogy

Think of Christopher Columbus as a trailblazer or pioneer in uncharted territory. He's like that friend who always finds new places to hang out before anyone else does - except in this case, it was discovering new continents!

Related terms

Age of Discovery: A period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century during which Europeans engaged in intensive exploration of the world, establishing direct contacts with Africa, Americas, Asia and Oceania.

New World: One of several terms used to describe the majority of Earth's Western Hemisphere, specifically America. It was 'new' to Europeans when discovered in late 15th century.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers (like Columbus did), and exploiting it economically.