Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 13: The Age of Exploration, 1500-1800

The Mission of Columbus

Introduction

The voyages of Columbus were motivated by more than a spirit of adventure. In a letter Columbus wrote to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, he describes a multi-faceted mission for the voyages that brought him to America. In this activity students will read the letter and one of the journal entries from Columbus's voyage. Through these documents, students can learn a great deal about Columbus's time, his worldview, and the various motives for his voyages.

Lesson Description
Students will go to a Web site that contains Christopher Columbus’s letter to Queen Isabella of Spain concerning his planned voyage to India. Students will read the letter and answer four questions over what they have read. Students will then read one of Columbus’s journal entries to learn about his encounters with peoples of the Caribbean.

Instructional Objectives
The learner will be able to interpret historical documents and to put them in historical context.
The learner will be able to recognize subjective viewpoints in personal letters and journals.

Student Web Activity Answers

Columbus's two directions from the king and queen are to visit India and determine the best way to convert its people to Christianity, and to travel on a previously untried western route to reach India.

The pope has reportedly turned down requests from the Great Khan to convert him to Christianity. Columbus seems to be suggesting that by taking this opportunity to convert the people of India, the rulers of Spain can establish themselves as leaders of Christendom, either in place of—or equal to—the Pope in Rome.

Columbus refers to the Moors and the Jews, who have recently been expelled from Spain. Columbus is using the letter to establish the religious importance of his voyage. He does so in part by reminding the king and queen of their role in protecting Christianity by defeating the Moors and expelling non-Christian peoples from Spain.

In return for his services, Columbus will become "Viceroy and Governor" in all of the islands and continents that he discovers and conquers, and in those that may be discovered and acquired thereafter. He is also promised that these titles will be passed on to his descendants forever.

Students' answers should mention the Admiral's feeling that the native peoples have no religion, are smart, would make good servants, and would be easy to convert. Students' responses will vary on the second question.