Opinions on Christopher Columbus' Discovery of America: Were Any Against It?
The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 is a pivotal moment in world history. However, many questions often arise regarding the opinions and viewpoints of the time. Was there any opposition to Columbus' voyage? Did anyone question his endeavors or challenge his assumptions?
Context and Background
The 15th century was an age of exploration and discovery. European navigators set out in search of new trade routes, hoping to find wealth, and expand their empires. Columbus himself was driven by the goal of finding a westward route to India, which, at the time, was believed to be the easternmost point of the Far East.
The Absence of Opposition
During this period, the lands now known as the Americas were unknown to most of the world. The notion that these vast continents existed beyond Europe was not widely accepted. As historian David J. Silverman points out, many fishermen and perhaps a handful of scholars familiar with the Norse sagas may have had some inkling about potential undiscovered lands, but none of these individuals could influence mainstream perception.
Furthermore, the scientific community of the time had a relatively accurate understanding of the size of the Earth. Columbus' calculations of the Earth's circumference were based on outdated and underestimated measurements, a fact known by many scholars of his era. Despite this, no organized opposition emerged against his voyage. The prevailing consensus was that reaching Asia by sailing westward was not only feasible but potentially lucrative.
Backlash and Criticism
It is important to note that while no organized opposition existed, there were moments of backhanded criticism and skepticism. In his America and the Circumnavigators, historian H.B. Kennedy mentions instances where Columbus' plans were met with cautious approval or even a note of expectation that he would not return at all. Some thought that his journey would fail or result in the loss of his crew. However, these views did not amount to a formal opposition to the voyage.
The lack of organized opposition in the face of Columbus' voyages reflects the dominance of the prevailing belief in the small world view. As Americans and Europeans looked westward, they were more focused on the potential rewards and prestige that came with discovery, rather than the risks and uncertainties involved in such a bold endeavor.
Fine-Lined Calculations and Fateful Discoveries
Columbus' voyage was indeed a bold one, but his calculations about the size of the Earth were significantly off. This made his journey particularly risky. If the Americas had not been discovered, it is highly likely that Columbus and his crew would have starved or perished at sea. On the other hand, if the Americas had been known to the Europeans already, Columbus' ultimate discovery might have been overshadowed by others.
The story is often romanticized and somewhat sanitized. In reality, the discovery of the Americas was a result of a confluence of events and chance. Columbus may have been the luckiest of the explorers of his time because he missed the mark on his target but stumbled upon a new world. His luck ensured his place in history, while highlighting the significant uncertainty and risk in such ventures.
Conclusion
In summary, there was no organized opposition to Christopher Columbus' discovery of America. The absence of any substantial backlash is a testament to the prevailing attitudes and knowledge of the time. However, it is also a narrative that presents a nuanced view, acknowledging the element of chance and the complex mix of human action and destiny.