The sea will grant each man new hope, and sleep will bring dreams of home.
Christopher Columbus
In 1492, Columbus, an Italian explorer sponsored by Spain, set sail westward across the Atlantic Ocean, hoping to find a new route to Asia.
Instead, he landed in the Caribbean, marking the beginning of European exploration of the Americas.
Columbus’ voyage is often credited with connecting the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) with the New World (the Americas), initiating the Columbian Exchange, which saw the transfer of crops, animals, diseases, and cultures between the continents.
This event is seen as the beginning of centuries of colonization, which had profound impacts on the indigenous populations and the global economy.
Columbus’ journey was both an exciting adventure and a turning point that reshaped the world, highlighting the power of exploration and its consequences.
Vocabulary Bank:
- Colonization – Kolonialisasi
- Voyage – Perjalanan panjang
- Explorer – Penjelajah
- Exchange – Pertukaran
- Indigenous – Penduduk asli
Soal:
What do you think would have happened if Columbus had not discovered the Americas in 1492?
