Christopher Columbus is a well-known Italian explorer who worked for the Spanish crown to find a path from the west to Asia. On August 3, 1492, he sailed away from Spain on three ships that were named, the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Nina. In the years that followed, he discovered several more islands in the Caribbean until making his way back to Spain in 1493. His logbook was kept by Columbus during his first voyage to America. The first journey of Christopher Columbus is remarkable for several different reasons. It was the beginning of European colonization of the Americas, which played role on the native peoples of the area that lasted for years after it was established. It was also the beginning of a new period of global exploration and trade, as European nations attempted to extend their empires and have access to new markets and resources during this time. A first-person account of the journey and the events that took place along the way can be found in Christopher Columbus’s Log. It gives an in-depth account of the topography, ecology, of the islands that Christopher Columbus explored, as well as to his dealings with the indigenous people that lived there. The article starts with an overview of Columbus’s voyage and the historical significance of his discovery of the New World. In the text, it emphasizes Columbus’s interest in finding a trade route to Asia and that his accounts of the lands that he discovered were greatly focused on their potential for trade and commerce. For example, in Columbus’s writing, “they should be good servants and of quick intelligence, since I see that they very soon say all that is said to them, and I believe they would easily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion.” There is an argument he has that Christophers interest in possible conversion to Christianity was not motivated by just a desire to spread faith, but to also be driven by economic benefits that can result from an increased trade and commerce to new converts. Next, in the, “Christopher Columbus’s First Voyage: A Geographical Revision” by Nellis M. Crouse, it discusses the popular misconception that Columbus thought he had reached the East Indies when he arrived in the Americas. Through an analysis of Columbus’s writings and navigational calculations, Crouse stated that Columbus had realized he had discovered a new landmass and named it “The New World.” This article was significant because it challenged the narrative of Columbus as an explorer who came across land he had been seeking for years. This allowed for him to be seen as a determined navigator who acknowledged the importance of his discovery and paved the way for further exploration and colonization. In addition, reading “Columbus’s First Voyage: The American Perspective” by Carol Lowery Delaney, her article explains how the American perspective on Columbus’s first voyage that has changed over time, from early accounts that portrayed Columbus as a heroic figure to more recent accounts that have put light on the negative consequences of his arrival for indigenous peoples. Delaney argued that during this shift it reflects larger changes in American society and politics, particularly the rise of multiculturalism and the recognition of the importance of indigenous peoples’ perspectives. This article specifies the ongoing importance of Columbus’s first voyage to contemporary debates about American identity and the legacy of colonialism. This colonization had an impact on indigenous peoples, resulting in the loss of land, resources, and cultural traditions. All in all, after reading about Christopher Columbus they all share that Columbus is visionary explorer who recognized the importance of his discovery. Crouse reinforced this idea and helped to connect Columbus’s status as a hero. However, Delaney was published during a time of increasing awareness of the impact of colonialism on indigenous peoples. By emphasizing the ways in which the American perspective in Columbus has evolved over time.  Christopher Columbus left a mark to Americans, and he is a very brave individual and is remember for his discoveries. All in all, each article provides valuable insights into the historical significance of Columbus’s first voyage and its ongoing impact on American history and identity.

References

Cohen, J.M. “The Log of Christopher Columbus: An Interpretation.” The Journal of Economic History, vol. 2, no. 1, May 1942, pp. 1-19. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2112851 

Crouse, Nellis M. “Christopher Columbus’s First Voyage: A Geographical Revision.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers, vol. 49, no. 2, Jun. 1959, pp. 119-134. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2561263.

Delaney, Carol Lowery. “Columbus’s First Voyage: The American Perspective.” The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 63, no. 2, Apr. 2006, pp. 305-324. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3491637.