How does Columbus’s description of the Caribbean islands reflect Spain’s motivations for sending him there?

1 answer

Columbus’s description of the Caribbean islands reflects Spain’s motivations for sending him there by emphasizing the potential wealth and resources of the islands. He described the islands as being “rich in gold, pearls, spices, and other precious stones” and noted that the people living there were “very gentle and without knowledge of arms.” This description was meant to entice the Spanish monarchy to fund his voyage and to encourage them to take advantage of the resources and people of the islands.