Christopher Columbus's Exploration Route

Exploration Routes

Christopher Columbus's Route: He attempted to sail to India by going west instead of south around the tip of Africa.

Previous Explorers: Most previous explorers attempted to reach India and the East by sailing eastwards around the tip of Africa.

Differences in Exploration Routes

Christopher Columbus's exploration route differed from that of previous explorers in a significant way. While most explorers before him tried to reach India and the East by sailing eastwards around the tip of Africa, Columbus decided to take a different path. He attempted to sail west in order to reach India, believing that the Earth was smaller than it actually is, and that he could reach his destination faster by traveling in that direction.

Impact of Columbus's Route

Columbus's decision to sail west instead of following the traditional eastern route had a monumental impact on world history. His voyage led to the discovery of the Americas and initiated the age of exploration and colonization. The new world that he encountered had a profound impact on the course of history, shaping trade, culture, and politics in unforeseen ways.