Latin Colonial History

Analysis of Edward’s Article

By

Rebecca Mason

His 206

Mr. Marcum Tu/Th 10:50

January 22,2012

Introduction:

A Conquistador Society? The Spain Columbus Left

Article publishing May 1992

By: John Edwards

Columbus’ first voyage was slowed by the conquering of the Muslim Granada. Without, it would Ferdinand and Isabella support the voyage?

Body:

The Christians political and social agenda had been officially, the recon quest of lands from the Islam. Between 1000 and 1250 the power of the Iberia shifted. This shift came from existing ethnic, religious, and political problems. By 1031 the Muslim state was in mini-kingdoms. With all the focus on the recon quest would Columbus ever get to take his journey.

Due to the struggle over land with the Muslims, Ferdinand and Isabella delayed their support for Columbus. They thought that it was safer to invest in other areas. They looked for a more stable venture. But in the end, they supported Columbus on his voyage to new land.

They did not support Columbus to find new land; it was more for religious reasons. They seemed to use the last verses of Matthew to make their decision. They saw it as an opportunity to spread Christianity throughout the world. Through this not only did he gain support from religious figures but also political ones.

It is said best in the following quote, “It is unlikely that they envisaged what Columbus would find, anymore that he did. Nonetheless, crusading zeal led them to launch his enterprise, and thus extend the Spanish ‘civilizing mission’ to a ‘new’ world (16).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the article was very well written. It contained a great deal of information about the trials that not only Columbus faced but others as well. Until this article I did not realize how many events had corresponded with Columbus voyage. I wonder now, what other events helped shape his voyage. This article has enriched my understanding of the trials that people of this era faced.