Answer:
After five centuries, Christopher Columbus remains a mysterious and questionable figure. He was described as one of the greatest mariners in history, a genius, a national hero, and a ruthless and greedy imperialist. Columbus had a dream to reach the Indies by sailing west from Europe across the Atlantic Ocean. By overcoming many obstacles, he pursued his dream and accidentally landed in America.
Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451. He was interested in sailing at a young age. Genoa held a bustling Mediterranean seaport with plenty of opportunities for a young man to learn sailing skills. Columbus learned to understand Latin, the language of educated Europe. Columbus then became a sailor in his early adult years.
When Columbus attempted his idea of sailing west to the Indies, he naturally applied to the king of Portugal. Although various educated people knew the world was round, Columbus differed with the experts over how far it was from Europe to Asia going west. The experts ended up being correct and Columbus underestimated the distance. However, the king of Portugal believed his own correct experts and was unwilling to meet the demands of Columbus.
Columbus then tried to interest the rulers of England and France, but both declined. Later in 1492, the Spanish monarchs agreed to support Columbus's voyage. He sailed on August 3, 1492, with three ships staffed with ninety men. The three ships were called the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria and they sailed west on what would prove to be a dangerous and historic journey. Three weeks of sailing none of them had ever been so long without any sight of land. Although on October 10, Columbus agreed to sail only three more days. The land was sighted in the early morning hours two days later.
As you can see Columbus had a goal to reach the Indies by sailing west from Europe across the Atlantic Ocean. By overcoming many obstacles, he pursued and accidentally landed in America.
