Was Christopher Columbus a Success or a Failure?

Elen Araya

History 201-161

Oct.14, 2013

Was Christopher Columbus a Success or a Failure?

Christopher Columbus, whose name in Italian is "Cristofo Colombo," was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy. “Columbus went to sea when he was about fourteen, and he eventually made his way to Lisbon, where he married Felipa Moniz, whose father had been raised in the house hold of Prince Henry the Navigator. Through Felipa, Columbus gained access to explores’ maps and information about the tricky currents and winds encountered in sailing the Atlantic. Columbus himself venture in to the Atlantic frequently sailed at least twice to the central coast of Africa.” (Roark. 35)

Columbus made four voyages of exploration between 1492 and 1504, sailing on behalf of Spain, which granted him the title "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" and "Viceroy of the Indies." His modern descendants retain the title "Admirals of the Ocean Sea," as well as the noble title "Dukes of Veragua" (Eric).

Christopher Columbus could be considered successful in some ways, as an explorer and as a representative of Spain. Columbus did discover land that was new to him and to Europeans. Because of this, he was able to bring gold and riches to Spain and Europe. He also changed lives in both the Old World and the New World, however the changes for the later were harmful and unpleasant. He introduced European colonization to the Americas, leading to an exchange in plants, animals, cultures, and ideas. Also, while Columbus wasn't the first European to reach the Western Hemisphere, he was the first European to stay. Over all, Columbus quickly changed the world.

On the other hand, Christopher Columbus could be considered a failure in several ways, including him as an explorer, human being, and a representative of the Spanish government. Columbus had tried to organize a voyage to the East Indies. He believed that by sailing west, he would find a direct sea route to Asia. He failed greatly, seeing as he unintentionally reached...