Which explorer convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to finance a voyage in search of a new water route to Asia? pint)
a. Marco Polo
b Christopher Columbus
Vasco da Gama
d Ferdinand Magellan
b. Christopher Columbus
The correct answer is b. Christopher Columbus.
The correct answer is (b) Christopher Columbus.
To arrive at the correct answer, let's go through the options and their historical context:
a. Marco Polo: While Marco Polo is known for his travels to Asia, he did not convince King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to finance a voyage in search of a new water route to Asia. Marco Polo's travels occurred much earlier, in the 13th century, and he served as an inspiration to explorers who came after him.
b. Christopher Columbus: In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, proposed a plan to find a new water route to Asia by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean. He believed that the Earth was much smaller than it actually is, and thus, he expected to reach Asia in a shorter duration than what was realistically possible. After multiple rejections, Columbus gained the support of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain in 1492. They provided him with the necessary funds and resources for his historic voyage, leading to his discovery of the Americas.
c. Vasco da Gama: Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, is renowned for being the first European to reach India by sea, but he did not convince the Spanish monarchs to finance a voyage for a new water route to Asia. His expedition took place in 1497-1499, a few years after Columbus had already completed his first journey.
d. Ferdinand Magellan: Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish crown, led the first expedition that circumnavigated the world from 1519 to 1522. While Magellan's journey was significant, he did not convince Ferdinand and Isabella to finance a voyage in search of a new water route to Asia.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Christopher Columbus, who convinced King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to finance a voyage in search of a new water route to Asia.