Christopher Columbus goes down in history as one of the greatest explorers ever! This book explores his life and why he is so important to American History.

Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. His father was a wool merchant. When Columbus was a teenager, he got a job on a merchant ship. This began his love of the sea.

merchant: A person who trades a product.

Columbus studied cartography and navigation. He learned how to create maps and navigate a ship.

navigate: route and direct a ship, aircraft or other vehicle using instruments.

cartography: The science of drawing maps.

During this time it was almost impossible to reach Asia from Europe. The sea route was long and difficult to survive. Columbus wanted to make the journey but came up with a different idea. He wanted to sail west to Asia instead of around the African continent like everyone else.

Columbus thought that by sailing west he would reach Asia, specifically India to get their spices to make riches. However, Columbus needed funding for his journey. He presented his idea to King John II of Portugal, but he was not convinced so he did not provide funding for the voyage.

funding: money provided for a specific purpose.

voyage: long journey traveling by sea.

please provide funding for my voyage!

Finally, Columbus asked the Spanish monarch for funding. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella funded Columbus's Voyage.

King Ferdiand and Queen Isabella agreed to fund his journey because they wanted fame and fortune. This also provided a way for them to spread Catholicism through Columbus. They all saw it as a win win!

On August 3rd, 1492 Columbus and his crew set sail with three ships the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. The journey was long and difficult. At one point his crew threatened to mutiny and wanted to turn back. Columbus said they would turn back in two days if they didn't find land, but he had no intention of turning back.

mutiny: An open rebellion against authority figures.

On October 12th, 1492 they finally spotted land. Columbus and his crew landed landed on the Bahamas, but at the time Columbus named it San Salvador.

Columbus was so excited to return home and claim his riches from his new discovery. He returned home with the good news!

Columbus returned to the Queen and King and told them of the good news. He brought with him turkeys, pineapples, and Native American's that he had captured.