Name _ Christopher Columbus Christopher Columbus and his ships landed on a Caribbean island. In 1492, Christopher Columbus and about 90 men left Spain on three ships. folumbus thought that he could find a sea route to Asia. Europepns wanted the gold and spices that were there. He guided the ships across the vast Atlantic Ocean. He used only a compass, a hblf-hour glass, and his instincts. The ships reached a Caribbean island about ten weeks later. Columbus thought he had found the East Indies and searched for gold and spices. He didn't find the spices. He only found small amounts of gold. Columbus returned to Spain with just a few gold trinkets and some native people. He still convinced the Spanish to send him on three more ~oyages. He never found a sea route to Asia. But his journeys ex~osed people on two continents to each other and to new plants, animals, and diseases. The world was changed forever. ------- ---- -- Answer the questions. 1. Why did Columbus want Ito find a sea route to Asia? 2. How long did it take Columbus to reach land? _ 3. How many times did Columbus try to find a sea route to Asia? _ r>. 4. What were the lasting results of Columbus's voyages? _ ©The Mailbox" • Fascinating Facts: Social Studies TEC61 067 • Key p. 121 5