How does Columbus’s description of the Caribbean islands reflect Spain’s motivations for sending him there?
2. Suppose Columbus simply had complete freedom to explore the world without specific goals in mind. How would that have affected his observations?
3. How might it have affected world history?
smarys the answers
1. Columbus's description of the Caribbean islands reflects Spain's motivations for sending him there as it emphasizes the potential wealth and resources of the region. Columbus talks about the abundance of gold, spices, and precious stones, which were all highly valued commodities at the time. Spain, like other European powers, was motivated by the desire to expand their wealth and establish new trade routes to acquire these valuable resources.
2. If Columbus had complete freedom to explore without specific goals in mind, his observations would likely have been broader and more varied. He might have ventured to different regions and encountered different cultures, landscapes, and resources. Without specific goals or instructions, Columbus would have had the freedom to explore and document a wider range of places and phenomena, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
3. Columbus having complete freedom to explore the world without specific goals would have had a significant impact on world history. His discoveries and observations played a crucial role in the era of European exploration, colonization, and the subsequent shaping of the modern world. If Columbus had explored more extensively and encountered different civilizations, it could have led to earlier and more significant interactions between Europe and other parts of the world. This could have resulted in different historical outcomes, such as altered trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the spread of different ideas and technologies. Overall, it would have altered the course of history by influencing the dynamics of international relations, economic development, and cultural exchanges.