Columbus: West to Asia vs Known Routes (1492)
by Anonymous
Christopher Columbus proposed reaching Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic, contradicting the established Portuguese route around Africa. Spain funded his gamble after Portugal, England, and France declined.
Sail West (Columbus's Plan)
1492
year
Extreme — unknown ocean
risk
Shorter route to Asian spices
potential reward
Spain (Isabella & Ferdinand)
backer
Found the Americas instead
outcome
Portuguese Route Around Africa
1492
year
Known but long
risk
Proven trade route
potential reward
Portugal
backer
Vasco da Gama succeeded in 1498
outcome
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