may 9, 1492 - Columbus travels to America

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Columbus sought a route to Asia that wasn’t controlled by Muslim traders. Spice trade was highly lucrative among wealthy families and were used for religious purposes. Furthermore, trade offered glory and satisfied curiosity about the world. Technology such as the Caravel and compass made sailing easier. Columbus landed in the Indies in 1492, thinking he had landed in Japan. He reported back to Spain, and was made governor of the new territory after concluding the inhabitants would be good slaves and easily assimilated. He treated the native inhabitants with extreme brutality, and was eventually recalled to Spain. His legacy of colonialism was continued with other Spanish explorers, even after it was realized that he had not discovered Asia, but rather America.

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