The Capitulations of Santa Fe (1492): Columbus and the Catholic Monarchs
Historical Context
The agreement, signed on April 17, 1492, in Santa Fe, Spain, between Christopher Columbus and the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, authorized Columbus' first voyage across the Atlantic. This marked a pivotal moment in global history.
Key Terms of the Agreement
Title of "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" granted to Columbus
Governorship of any new lands discovered
10% share of all wealth from new territories
⚓ Funding for the expedition by the Spanish crown
Historical Significance
Age of Exploration
Launched Europe's systematic colonization of the Americas
⚔️ Spanish Empire
Began Spain's rise as a global colonial power
Initiated worldwide transfer of plants, animals, and diseases
✝️ Religious Motivations
Advanced the Catholic Monarchs' goal of spreading Christianity
Long-Term Consequences
Led to first sustained European contact with the Americas
Enabled Spanish conquests of Aztec and Inca empires
Established transatlantic trade routes
Resulted in cultural exchange and demographic collapse of indigenous populations
Modern Perspectives
While historically celebrated as a discovery, modern scholarship emphasizes:
The devastating impact on Native American civilizations
⛓️ Beginning of European colonial exploitation
Reevaluation of Columbus' legacy in contemporary society
This page has no cookies and there is no tracking or invasion of your privacy of any kind.
3,639 : views of this image - 1,428,382 : views of all images since 1st January 2020.
