The author develops the idea that Magellan significantly contributed to the discovery and use of the Strait of Magellan by explaining Magellan’s role in finding and navigating the strait. This is evidenced through the narrative that highlights Magellan’s expedition, the challenges he faced, his determination to continue despite adversities, and ultimately, his landmark journey that led to the discovery of the strait which provided a safer passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Elements such as his naming of the Pacific Ocean and the subsequent successful circumnavigation of the globe underscore his crucial importance in the history of maritime exploration.
The Strait of Magellan
The Strait of Magellan
What is the Strait of Magellan?
1 The Strait of Magellan is a channel in the Pacific Ocean stretching 350 miles across the tip of South America in waters of mostly Chile and some of Argentina. This channel connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. As a result, it was an important route for ships until the Panama Canal was built in 1914. The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the two oceans without the difficulties associated with travelling the Strait of Magellan.
2 Despite its usefulness, the strait is considered one of the most challenging routes to take because at some points, the pathway is as narrow as two miles wide while at others it is as wide as twenty miles. Not only this, but the weather is fickle. It is typically nice and warm but changes quickly, with wind that could be dangerous for traveling ships and sometimes fog that made visibility difficult.
3 With snowy mountains on both sides, however, the strait offers beautiful scenery. This is one of the reasons why even today, around 1500 ships pass through the strait and many cruises stop at the islands along the way. In addition to the natural scenery, many of the lighthouses that were once used for navigation are now national monuments and popular tourist attractions. Moreover, some ships continue to use this passageway because it is safer, being surrounded by land on both sides.
What’s in a Name?
4 The Strait of Magellan, or Estrecho de Magallanes as it is called in Spanish, is named after the first European to travel the strait, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. However, it was not always called this. Originally, it was known as Estrecho de Todos los Santos, or the Strait of All Saints. The strait was named this since Magellan and his ships sailed into the strait for the first time on November 1, 1520, which is All Saint’s Day. The Spanish king changed the name to honor Magellan and his contribution.
How Was the Strait Discovered?
5 The ambitious Portuguese explorer known as the “Prince of Navigators,” Ferdinand Magellan, set out in the early 1500s to circumnavigate the globe, making a trip from Portugal and back around. He wanted to find an easier route to the Spice Islands in the Indian Ocean. Because the king of Portugal denied Magellan’s requests for funding, Magellan sought help from Spain.
6 With a fleet of five ships provided by Spain, Magellan began his difficult voyage on September 20, 1519. The trip was so treacherous that several mutinies broke out when the crew rebelled and wanted to abandon the voyage; however, Magellan persevered. Despite the unfavorable weather and waning food and water supplies, Magellan continued for two months through the Atlantic Ocean until he and his crew found the Pacific Ocean. Magellan named the ocean Pacific because it means “peaceful.” The water of the Pacific was a welcome change, calm where the Atlantic had been rough, warm where the Atlantic had been cold.
7 Once he discovered the strait, it took him thirty-eight days to make his way to the other side. The navigators often turned down dead ends or had to slow their ships through the narrowest segments of the passageway or through the fjords1.
8 Eventually, Magellan’s crew sailed upon the Philippines, where Magellan knew he was close to the Indian Ocean and close to completing his goal of making a round trip to Spain. Unfortunately, he died in the Philippines and would never see the trip completed. However, one of his ships and eighteen men eventually completed the voyage, arriving in Spain on September 6, 1522.
Why is Magellan’s Voyage Important?
9 While knowledge of the strait’s existence can be dated back to the 16th century, Magellan’s successful voyage through the strait led to a shorter and safer passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The mountains on both sides protect ships from the tumultuous, stormy waters of the Atlantic. Although the trip through the strait is still a very long path, it is shorter than the alternative Drake Passage. The development of the Panama Canal offers the shortest passage, but some ships are too large for it and must still use the Strait of Magellan.
10 Even though Magellan did not live to see his voyage completed, his crew did. By successfully circumnavigating the globe, Magellan’s crew helped prove that the Earth is round.
11 Finally, many colonies developed and settled along the Strait of Magellan and his discovery inspired other voyages.
1fjord - a long, narrow arm of the sea bordered by steep cliffs: usually formed by glacial erosion
How does the author develop the idea that Magellan significantly contributed to the discovery and use of the Strait of Magellan?
by clarifying how Magellan’s voyage is responsible for proving that the Earth is round
by discussing the multiple reasons that the name of the strait was changed to honor Magellan
by describing how dedicated Magellan was to finding a shorter and safer connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
by explaining Magellan’s role in finding and navigating the strait
1 answer
1 answer