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== Exploration ==

== Exploration ==

Starting in the Middle Ages, Christian Europe began to use its knowledge, wealth and [[faith]] to extend move beyond its horizons.  Christian Europeans fought the Holy [[Crusades]] from 1095 to 1291 to protect pilgrims to [[Jerusalem]] against Moslem attacks.  Some Europeans were motivated to spread the [[Gospel]].  Others were motivated by a desire to increase their wealth, such as by finding gold.  Supporting both types of people was increased knowledge about science and geography:  Europeans knew that they could reach the Orient by traveling West '''''around''''' the world.  What they did not know is what they would find, if anything, by sailing West, before they reached the Orient.

Starting in the Middle Ages, Christian Europe began to use its knowledge, wealth and [[faith]] to extend move beyond its horizons.  Christian Europeans fought the Holy [[Crusades]] from 1095 to 1291 to protect pilgrims to [[Jerusalem]] against Moslem attacks.  Some Europeans were motivated to spread the [[Gospel]].  Others were motivated by a desire to increase their wealth, such as by finding gold.  Supporting both types of people was increased knowledge about science and geography:  Europeans knew that they could reach the Orient by traveling West '''''around''''' the world.  Ironically, it was the very knowledge of the Earth's circumference that deterred a westward passage - the distance to the orient in that direction was beyond the open-water range of ships in that period.  This was a factor in Christopher Columbus' ability to stand out in history.  In his early voyages, he learned of the patterns of the Atlantic trade winds, and their ability to carry sailing vessels across vast distances both eastward and westward before one's provisions would run out.  With the charts he developed, he was certain he could reach Asia on a westbound route more efficiently than others could.

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It took enormous courage, determination and financial support to sail West into the complete unknown.  It also took more than a desire to get rich, because there were easier ways to make money.  That additional desire was a passion to spread Christianity to new civilizations.  In 1482, a determined Christian Italian explorer named [[Christopher Columbus]] sought financing to sail west in order to reach Japan.  He tried Portugal for raising money, but it already had its own successful explorers.  Why would Portugal need Columbus?  Portugal declined to support him, and Columbus turned to Spain, which was now Christian after having driven the Muslims out.  In 1492, Spain funded Columbus' daring proposal to sail West to reach the Orient.   

It took enormous courage, determination and financial support to sail West into the complete unknown.  It also took more than a desire to get rich, because there were easier ways to make money.  That additional desire was a passion to spread Christianity to new civilizations.  In 1482, a determined Christian Italian explorer named [[Christopher Columbus]] sought financing to sail west in order to reach Japan.  He tried Portugal for raising money, but it already had its own successful explorers.  Why would Portugal need Columbus?  Portugal declined to support him, and Columbus turned to Spain, which was now Christian after having driven the Muslims out.

 

Columbus was not only a devout Christian, but an enterprising capitalist.  He used his hard-earned knowledge of the Atlantic trade winds and the navigational edge they gave him to secure funding for his venture from Spain on very favorable terms.  The contract he signed with the Spanish Monarchy, known as the Capitulations of Santa Fe, named him Admiral of the Atlantic Ocean, Viceroy and Governor of all the new lands discovered, and gave him one-tenth of the profit from all of the discovered lands.  Having secured his funding, Columbus assembled his ships and crew and set out in August of 1492 to reach the Orient.   

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Before we describe this further, however, it is necessary to note that around A.D. 1000, the Scandinavian [[Leif Ericson]] discovered [[Vinland]] where the present [[Newfoundland]] is, and even founded a small colony there, although it ultimately failed after probably a few decades of settlement.  There appears to be no evidence that they settled further south, in [[New England]]:  "People have been looking hard for hundreds of years and there is no archaeological evidence in this part [New England]— it's certainly possible, the Vikings were incredible boat handlers — '''but there is no evidence'''," observed one university history professor.<ref>http://farshores.org/a04viki.htm</ref>.

Before we describe this further, however, it is necessary to note that around A.D. 1000, the Scandinavian [[Leif Ericson]] discovered [[Vinland]] where the present [[Newfoundland]] is, and even founded a small colony there, although it ultimately failed after probably a few decades of settlement.  There appears to be no evidence that they settled further south, in [[New England]]:  "People have been looking hard for hundreds of years and there is no archaeological evidence in this part [New England]— it's certainly possible, the Vikings were incredible boat handlers — '''but there is no evidence'''," observed one university history professor.<ref>http://farshores.org/a04viki.htm</ref>.