Spanish Discoveries and Exploration: From Columbus to Magellan
Spanish Discoveries: Christopher Columbus and the New World
Early Explorations and the Search for a Route to India
During the 13th century, merchants from Genoa, Andalusia, and Galicia established a colony in the Huelva and Cadiz regions of Spain. These merchants actively traded with Africa and played a significant role in promoting the conquest of the Canary Islands. John Betancourt, upon discovering the islands, sought permission from the King of Castile to occupy them.
The Controversial Figure of Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus, a man of disputed origins, emerged along the Spanish coast and dedicated himself to maritime exploration. Influenced by the theory of a spherical Earth, he presented his idea of reaching India by sailing westward to the King of Portugal. However, a scientific board rejected his proposal. Undeterred, Columbus sought support from the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. After facing initial rejection from the Board of Colon in Burgos, Queen Isabella eventually agreed to sponsor his expedition following the conclusion of the Granada War in 1492.
The Capitulations of Santa Fe and Columbus’s Voyages
On March 17, 1492, the Capitulations of Santa Fe were signed, granting Columbus the titles of Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy of any lands he discovered. He was also entitled to a tenth of the goods acquired and the right to bring a company of investors. With royal support secured, Columbus set sail from Palos de la Frontera on August 3, 1492, with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. After a stopover in the Canary Islands, they reached the Caribbean islands on October 12, 1492.
Columbus made three subsequent voyages, establishing settlements and exploring the region. However, his governorship was marked by political difficulties, leading to his removal from power by the Spanish monarchs. In 1504, he embarked on his final voyage, convinced that he had reached India. He died in Valladolid in 1506, still believing he had found a westward route to Asia.
Overseas Expansion and the Treaty of Tordesillas
The discovery of new lands by Columbus led to disputes between Spain and Portugal, as both nations sought to expand their empires. To resolve the conflict, Pope Alexander VI issued a papal bull in 1493, dividing the world into two spheres of influence along an imaginary line 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. However, Portugal was dissatisfied with this arrangement, and in 1494, the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed, moving the line further west to 370 leagues. This treaty had significant consequences, as it placed Brazil within the Portuguese sphere, leading to its colonization by Portugal.
The First Circumnavigation of the Globe: Ferdinand Magellan’s Expedition
Coinciding with Columbus’s later voyages, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer in the service of Spain, embarked on an ambitious expedition to circumnavigate the globe. With five ships and 205 men, Magellan set sail from Seville in 1519. After facing numerous challenges, including mutiny, harsh weather, and the loss of one ship, they reached the southern tip of South America and navigated the treacherous strait that now bears Magellan’s name.
Upon entering the Pacific Ocean, the expedition faced starvation and disease. They eventually reached the Mariana Islands and the Philippines, where Magellan was killed in a conflict with natives. Juan Sebastián Elcano took command and continued the voyage, reaching the Spice Islands and returning to Spain in 1522 with only one ship and 18 survivors. This historic expedition proved the Earth’s spherical shape and opened up new trade routes.
Consequences of the Discoveries
The Spanish discoveries and subsequent explorations had profound consequences for the world:
- Rise of Colonial Empires: Spain and Portugal established vast empires that dominated global affairs until the 17th century. The Spanish Empire, in particular, focused on colonization and resource extraction, leading to the establishment of settlements and the exploitation of gold and silver mines in the Americas.
- European Hegemony: Europe emerged as the dominant power on the world stage, with its nations controlling trade routes and exerting significant influence over other regions.
- Global Trade: The discoveries led to the expansion of global trade networks, connecting different parts of the world and facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures.