Christopher Columbus Essay: Christopher Columbus is one of the most well-known explorers of all times and is credited with the discovery of America. He had made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean with the intent of finding a direct water route from Europe to Asia.
Christopher Columbus is, without doubt, one of the most notable personalities of history who had revolutionized the way we visualize the word on a map and opened doors to several new trade opportunities.
You can also find more Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.
Long and Short Essays on Christopher Columbus for Students and Kids in English
We are providing students with essay samples on an extended essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Christopher Columbus for reference.
Long Essay on Christopher Columbus 500 Words in English
Long Essay on Christopher Columbus is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Christopher Columbus is one of the most well-known explorers of all times who had made history with the discovery of America. The explorer had made four trips across the Atlantic Ocean in order to find a direct water route connecting Europe and Asia. He never managed to achieve his intentions but instead ended up discovering the ‘New World’.
Christopher Columbus was the son of a wool merchant and born in the city of Genoa, Italy in 1451. As a teenager, he worked on a merchant ship and remained at sea till the ship was sunk by pirates. Columbus managed to escape and floated to safety on a scrap of wood.
Columbus studied mathematics, astronomy, navigation and cartography in Lisbon and there started his will to explore the world. The first voyage of Columbus was at the end of the 15 the century when it was very difficult to reach Asia from Europe by land. The Portuguese had started sailing around the cape of good hope to reach Asia, but Columbus had other plans in his mind.
Columbus wanted to discover a way to sail west along the Atlantic instead of going around the vast African continent. Although Columbus’ plan was sound, the calculations were not entirely correct since his estimation of the earth’s circumference was smaller than reality. Nevertheless, Columbus presented his plans to English and Portuguese officials, where he secured the support of Ferdinand and Isabella. They started their journey on three ships—Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. The ships reached the Bahamian Islands two months after their departure.
Columbus sailed to various islands after that in search of spice and valuables but could not find much. In January 1943, he left behind several dozen men on the settlement of Hispaniola which is present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic and set course for Spain. After returning six months later, Columbus saw to his dismay that the Hispaniola settlement had been completely destroyed.
After leaving his brother responsible for rebuilding Hispaniola, Columbus headed west to find gold and other goods. In May 1948, Columbus set out on his third voyage. He visited Trinidad and South Americas before reaching Hispaniola settlements where a revolt had broken out against the mismanagement of the Columbus brothers. The conditions were so poor that the Spanish authorities had to step in and send a new governor.
Following this, Christopher Columbus was arrested and returned to Spain. He was acquitted of significant charges but also stripped of all the noble titles he had. An ageing Columbus persuaded the Spanish government to pay for one last trip where he went all the way to Panama. His ships suffered significant damages from hostile enemies and storms, and the great explorer had to return to Spain empty-handed where he died in 1506.
Christopher Columbus is today remembered as an essential yet controversial figure. Although he transformed the new world and facilitated trade, his actions would also set give way to a series of inhuman atrocities on the indigenous populations that his fellow explorers encountered.
Short Essay on Christopher Columbus 150 Words in English
Short Essay on Christopher Columbus is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Christopher Columbus is an important historical figure who was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. His journey along the Atlantic led to the discovery of several new trade routes and altered the course of trade and travel in history. He was the son of a wool merchant, and his first job was as a teenager on a merchant ship. He continued his work there till pirates attacked his ship and he escaped on a plank of wood.
Christopher Columbus made four trips in 1492, 1493, 1498 and 1502. Although he wanted to discover a faster route along the Atlantic Ocean connecting Asia and Europe, he ended up finding the Americas. His role in discovering the new world and setting a series of atrocities on the native population makes him one of the most talked-about, analysed and controversial figure in history.
10 Lines on Christopher Columbus in English
- Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451.
- His first work was as on a merchant ship which was later attacked by pirates.
- Columbus studied various subjects like mathematics, navigation and cartography in Lisbon.
- The first voyage of Columbus was in 1492.
- Columbus wanted to find a direct trade route linking Asia and Europe along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Columbus landed on the Bahamian islands instead of the East Indies.
- The mismanagement of the Columbus brothers caused a revolt by the natives of the Hispaniola settlement.
- Columbus was arrested and brought back to Spain.
- Although the charges against Columbus were removed, he was stripped of his major titles.
- Columbus set out for his last voyage in 1502.
FAQ’s on Christopher Columbus Essay
Question 1.
Where was Christopher Columbus born?
Answer:
Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451.
Question 2.
What did Columbus want to discover?
Answer:
Columbus wanted to discover a direct route connecting Asia and Europe along the Atlantic Ocean.
Question 3.
Why was Columbus arrested?
Answer:
Christopher Columbus was arrested because of the mismanagement by the Columbus brothers in Hispaniola, which caused unrest and led the natives to revolt.
Question 4.
Why is Columbus a controversial figure?
Answer:
Columbus helped in opening up new avenues of trade and travel and discovered the ‘new world’ but is responsible for the mistreatment of the natives of the places the explorers visited.