Maritime exploration during the fifteenth and seventeenth century was named “The Age of Discovery”*. This period was filled with historic explorations and discoveries for those who took part in creating a “new global dynamic”. Although other countries had set out to investigate the world surrounding them, the Europeans made the greatest impact during their journeys. The European rulers and expeditioners had various motives for wanting to venture out beyond their kingdoms. Portugal was one of the European countries that led these conquests at the beginning of the maritime exploration era. The motive of the King of Portugal was to find new spices and see if there were other people in distant lands who practiced the same religion: Christianity. …show more content…
Spain was also more ambitious in their pursuits. that was somewhat on the other side of the planet, but during that time no one from the time frame didn’t know other worlds exist out west. Christopher Columbus was an Italian sailor who received support from the King and Queen of Spain to travel to Asia after the King of Portugal denied him*. Columbus believed that Japan was only 2,500 miles west of the group of islands near Portugal and the East Indies was full of valuable spices. The King of Portugal knew that Africa was a shorter route, yet Columbus knew the King and Queen of Spain would not have such knowledge*. Columbus wanted to travel this in this direction to find gold mines and special spices. Columbus thought he made it to his intended destination, but instead landed in the West Indies. Columbus wrote a letter to the King and Queen of Spain stating that he, “found very many islands filled with people innumerable”.* Columbus was amazed and proud of what he discovered and named the islands. Columbus also noted that the indigenous people who were harmless, he told the King and Queen “they have no iron or steel or weapons, nor fitted to use them”, due to the people’s fear of him and his crew. Columbus has his own motives as he was exploring through the new founded land. During his search, he found thought he found rhubarb and cinnamon, but only discovered one new spice: chili pepeprs.* Columbus knew he hit the jackpot as he wrote to the King and Queen, “I shall find a thousand other things of