Answer (20 Marks): 

Chistopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, where from a young age he learned to sail on both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, so he was very experienced. He believed that the world was round and that you could reach the East by sailing West. He tried several times to find a rich sponsor that would fund his voyage and eventually, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to fund the voyage. They sponsored his voyageas they believed that he would convert foreigners to christianity, bring back gold and spices and conquer land for Spain. Columbus left Spain in 1492 with 3 ships, the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria and he intended to reach the East by sailing west. His sailors were very nervous and discipline was harsh to prevent sailors from mutineering as a result, Columbus kept two log books, one with false information on distances travelled to fool nervous sailors. After 4 weeks at sea, land was sighted, then Columus went ashore, planted a Spanish flag and a cross and named the island San Salvadore. He also called the natives Indians, as he believed he was near India. He returned to Spaian a hero, with a little gold, exotic parrots, fruits like pineapples and slaves and went back to discover Cuba. Columbus was made Governer of the newly discovered islands, however he was forced to return to Spain accused of cruelty to the natives. Columus had not discovered India but instead a new land which was later named America after Columbus' captain Amergio Vespuci. His voyage paved the way not only for other explorers but soldiers to conquer that new landThis newly disocvered land was a rich source of gold and slaves which would be soon exploited by the Europeans