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 - only in this case, he discovered whole 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.
New World: One of three major areas (along with Afro-Eurasia and Oceania) known to Europeans before Columbus' voyages. It includes North America, Central America, South America and nearby islands.
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
"Christopher Columbus" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Practice Questions (4)
- Why was Christopher Columbus's discovery of America historically significant?
- How would Spanish conquests differ if Christopher Columbus' initial voyage to the Americas in 1492 hadn't succeeded?
- How might history differ if Christopher Columbus had not 'discovered' America in 1492?
- How might history be different if Christopher Columbus had not discovered America in 1492?
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