Unit Summary One

Spain was becoming more and more stressed about the Muslim nations controlling international trade routes therefore, they had allowed Columbus to sail under the Spanish flag. Because of the trade routes they were becoming very eager to find a new routes in order to bypass the Muslims. The Spanish did not have many options to find a new route except head directly west. Columbus had been turned down by England, France, and Portugal royal courts, he finally turned to the Spanish crown, Isabella and Ferdinand. They were hesitate but realized this had opened a possible new trade route. With a new trade route, they would be able to stay far from the Muslims routes and neither would interfer with the other. Another motive for the Spanish crown allowing Columbus to sail under their authority was the possibility of Columbus helping Spain become a wealthier nation if Columbus were to find an unpopulated area were different resources were. Spain had also considered the possibility of Columbus not reaching Asia, which was his initial destination. They had thought, however, if he were to not find Asia, it would be possible to find new Canary islands, which, economically and politically would give Spain an advantage. They would have more land in more areas, in order to control more ocean and other possible trade routes. Also, if an island was found new and beneficial resources could be found to put Spain ahead of other countries, economically. Therefore, Spain used Christopher Columbus's transatlantic voyage in order to benefit themselves, economically and politically.