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'''Christopher Columbus''' (1451–1506) was an [[Italian]] explorer funded by [[Spain]] to reach [[Asia]] in 1491, but who landed in the [[Caribbean]] instead. In four voyages, he explored the [[West Indies]] from 1492 to 1502. Possibly the second [[European]] to discover the Americas after [[Leif Erikson]], but Columbus's discovery was the one that put [[America]] on the map. His discovery of the Americas resulted in Europeans exploring and settling the Americas, and Columbus became both a symbol of the [[New World]] and an iconic hero for the age of exploration.

'''Christopher Columbus''' (1451–1506) was an [[Italian]] explorer funded by [[Spain]] to reach [[Asia]] in 1491, but who landed in the [[Caribbean]] instead. In four voyages, he explored the [[West Indies]] from 1492 to 1502. Possibly the second [[European]] to discover the Americas after [[Leif Erikson]], but Columbus's discovery was the one that put [[America]] on the map. His discovery of the Americas resulted in Europeans exploring and settling the Americas, and Columbus became both a symbol of the [[New World]] and an iconic hero for the age of exploration.

As [[conservative]] historian Wilcomb Washburn explains, if Columbus had not discovered the New World, the process of European discovery might have been very different. Rather than standing as a symbol of inexorable forces, Columbus is better seen as a representative of the spirit of inquiry, Christian religious zeal, and the notable achievements of Western Civilization.<ref>Wilcomb E. Washburn, "Columbus: Agent Of The Inevitable?" ''Continuity'' 1992 (16): 57-63. 0277-1446</ref>  

As [[conservative]] historian Wilcomb Washburn explains, if Columbus had not discovered the New World, the process of European discovery might have been very different. Rather than standing as a symbol of inexorable forces, Columbus is better seen as a representative of the spirit of inquiry, [[Christian]] religious zeal, and the notable achievements of Western Civilization.<ref>Wilcomb E. Washburn, "Columbus: Agent Of The Inevitable?" ''Continuity'' 1992 (16): 57-63. 0277-1446</ref>  

[[File:Columbus voyages.png|left|400px|thumb|The 4 voyages of Christopher Columbus]]

[[File:Columbus voyages.png|left|400px|thumb|The 4 voyages of Christopher Columbus]]