Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century. Sponsored by Spain, he aimed to find a new route to Asia but instead landed in the Bahamas in 1492, marking the beginning of European exploration in the Americas. His journeys opened the door for the widespread European colonization of the continent. While celebrated for his discoveries, Columbus's expeditions also led to significant consequences for Indigenous populations, including colonization and exploitation. His legacy is complex, reflecting both achievements in navigation and the darker aspects of European imperialism.