Since Columbus’ trip across the sparkling Atlantic, America has transformed from a disunited band of British colonies and has evolved into a world power. Improved technology, enhanced communication, and increased opportunities all have risen in the 400 years between Christopher Columbus and Charles Lindbergh crossing the treacherous ocean. Nevertheless, both adventures were unique in their aims, challenges, essential skills, and results.
“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” is the popular childhood rhyme taught in schools to commemorate the founding of a nation. Rivalry with Portugal and their extensive travels, the printing press and its countless maps, and the longing for cheaper products from Asia set the stage for risk. In August of 1492, Columbus packed up his three ships, the Nina, the
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Pinta, and Santa Maria along with Queen Isabella of Castile’s support and money, and began his lengthy journey. However, after landing in the Bahamas, he believed he found a Western route to Asia and the Spice Islands, not a new continent. After his initial encounter with the New World, he traveled with three other voyages, all for the glory of Spain. To get there, he utilized the state-of-the-art technology of his day: the mariner’s compass and the astrolabe. Now, people all around the country celebrate Christopher Columbus Day on October 12 and credit him with the discovery of America. In 1927, an unknown and amateur Charles Lindbergh took off from Long Island in his one-man plan to fly across the daunting Atlantic Ocean. He had nowhere near as much experience or money as the other pilots fighting for the same honor and fame. Still, he successfully landed outside of Paris the next day after soaring for 33.5 hours. After first the fruitful risk, he partook on multiple solo flights around the world, including traveling from Washington to Mexico City and around Asia and flying combat plans in World War II. Both men overcame huge obstacles with their bravery by travelling 2610 miles of seawater. However, a mere 33.5 hours does not compare with the grueling four months of constant rocking back and forth. Columbus needed to plan for the long haul with an abundance of food, water, and other supplies to stay alive, whereas Lindbergh could go without food and water for about a day and a half. The challenge Lindbergh faced was a technical struggle. He needed to build an airplane that fit him and could fly almost three thousand miles without stops for refueling. Furthermore, the goals of both men contrasted. Columbus longed to seek another route to Asia, India, and the Spice Islands to obtain cheaper goods rather than buying from expensive merchants. Portugal controlled the Western Coast of Africa and the corresponding sea route due to the Treaty of Tordesillas, so west was Spain’s sole option. Columbus went for the glory, the possibility of uncovering gold, and to spread the Catholic religion. For Lindbergh, his purpose was to conquer the impossible by switching counties in the time span of two days. The challenge attracted him and he wanted to prove that planes are the best method of transportation. He used his prosperity to further and promote air travel as well as airmail services. All the same, while Columbus navigated with a crew of about 90 men, Lindbergh traveled alone. So, when Christopher Columbus failed, he had people to fall back on, however Lindbergh instruments often broke down, but he had no one to fall back on. They both had to take the weather conditions into account as well. Although, Lindbergh fought other pilots that wanted to achieve the same goal, Columbus needed to avoid pirates that scavenged the ocean, preying on defenseless ships. Still, both men needed courageous and determined attitudes to perform such an outrageous task.
The risked their lives and careers and left their families for the chance of fame, success, and furthering their country. Of course, the technology differed extensively by the time periods, which had a major effect of the successfulness of each mission. But by being strategically placed in their respective time periods, both of their accomplishments inspired the public by showing that there’s always a goal to reach and revealing the possibilities of anything. Columbus’ journey empowered Spain into becoming a huge naval force and eventually assisted the colonization of the Americas, which led them to where they are today. Lindbergh advertized and developed new forms of air travel and airmail across vast distances and over large expanses of water.
Both Christopher Columbus and Charles Lindbergh are considered American heros. Each overcame great challenges and distinct threats to accomplish their goals. The pair were tenacious for particular reasons and produced varying results. Both men added to American history and culture and inspired adventurers for many years to
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In order to be a hero, one must be courageous. Some people that are heroes are Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman.
Lindbergh also inspired many people to create works based on him. For example, a documentary created 2 years ago showed Lindbergh’s famous flight to Paris, postage stamps were created to honor Lindbergh, Mickey Mouse imitates Lindbergh in a short film last year, a song called the Lindbergh was released after the flight, and a lot more. Charles Lindbergh has revolutionized the world to us today, opening up the possibility of air travel for average citizens, like us. As of now, Charles Augustus Lindbergh is Time’s youngest Person of the Decade. Thank you, Charles, and we will always be in your debt.
The Age of Heroes during the 1920s was a period in United States history where athletes and other record-breakers became national icons. Largely able to happen because of the increase in newspaper readership and radio coverage of sports events, athletes such as Babe Ruth and Gertrude Ederle gained national recognition for their skills in their chosen game. Although, heros during this age were not always athletes. Charles Lindbergh instantly became a nationally recognized figure in May of 1927 when he flew solo from Long Island, New York to Paris France in thirty-three hours. The expansion of the media’s coverage, enabled American citizens across the country to be apart of sports and record-breaking events during the Age of
Washington Irving, Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus (New York: Frederick Unger Publishing Company,) 323.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus was a self-made man who worked his way up to being the Captain of a merchant vessel. He gained the support of the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, for an expedition to the Indies. With the support of the Spanish monarchy, he set off to find a new and faster trade route to the Indies. Upon the arrival of his first voyage, Columbus wrote a letter to Luis de Santangel, a “royal official and an early supporter of his venture,” in February 1493 (35). The epistle, letter, entitled “Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the First Voyage” was copied and then distributed in Spain before being translated and spread throughout Europe. The Letter is held in such regard with the people as it is considered the first printed description of the new world. Through his description of the nature of the islands, Columbus decided the future fate of the islands. His description of the vast beauty of the nature around him, declares both the economic and nationalistic motivations for colonizing the new world.
Christopher Columbus is profoundly known to be the key asset to advance European culture across seas. The Columbian Exchange, colonization, and the growth of slave usage throughout the usage of the Triangular Trade, all conveyed foreign practices to the American Continent while also interrupting, but at the same time joining with the lifestyles of the inhabitants of these lands. A mixture of processes and voyagers transformed America into a “new world”, catching the world by surprise. America would not have developed to the period in existence today, if it was not for this growing period of the “old” and “new” worlds. A global world is in continuation through today as nations continue to share cultural
It is thought by many that Christopher Columbus was a skilled sailor on a mission of greed. Many think that he in fact did it all for the money, honor and the status that comes with an explorer, but this is not the case entirely. Columbus was an adventurer and was enthused by the thrill of the quest of the unknown. “Columbus had a firm religious faith and a scientific curiosity, a zest for life, the felling for beauty and the striving for novelty that we associate with the advancement of learning”. He had heard of the legendary Atlantic voyages and sailors reports of land to the west of Madeira and the Azores. He believed that Japan was about 4,800 km to the west of Portugal. In 1484, Columbus wanted support for an exploratory voyage from King John II of Portugal, but he was refused. In 1485, Columbus took his son Diego and went to Spain to get some help.
“When Worlds Collide the Untold Story of the Americas after Columbus.” Red Hill Productions. Pbs.org, 2010.Web. 30 April 2014.
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. However, even after centuries later, little is truly known of the mysterious voyage and findings of the new world.1 By examining “Letter from Columbus to Luis Santangel”, one can further contextualize the events of Columbus' exploration of the New World. The letter uncovers Columbus' subtle hints of his true intentions and exposes his exaggerated tone that catered to his lavish demands with Spain. Likewise, The Columbian Voyage Map read in accordance with the letter helps the reader track Columbus' first, second, third, and fourth voyage to the New World carefully and conveniently. Thus, the letter and map's rarity and description render invaluable insight into Columbus' intentionality of the New World and its indigenous inhabitants.
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. This is the phrase that most elementary school children learn when they are taught about the discovery of the Americas. Most people look fondly on Christopher Columbus since he traveled to the unknown and started the colonization of America that lead to the North and South America that we know today. Christopher Columbus is not a hero, however, since he was not the one to discover the Americas and because of his cruel treatment of the Native Americans.
In conclusion, Christopher Columbus and Charles Lindbergh were both very skilled and known explorers that went through tragestic difficult times to get to where they are now. They both worked hard and made us proud to call them both one of our famous explorers. Christopher Columbus and Charles Lindbergh were very heroic and special for all of
Christopher Columbus’s journey lead to more accurate maps being produced that could possibly lead to new materials and items being traded. The new
When I was in elementary school, I saw Christopher Columbus as a hero. I learned that he came over and built colonies and we would not be here if it was not for him. Also another thing I learned is that he was the first person to be in the Americas and discover it. He truly did seem like a hero and I was pretty shocked that he was so well known. This is why we celebrate Columbus Day, because it is the day that the Europeans
Also, Columbus’ voyage was published in a detailed description that was shared around the globe. It helped others copy his journey. This brought contact between Europe and the New World. That brought both progression and disaster. Mainly because some explorers couldn’t replicate the trip.
When I think of an American Hero I immediately think of someone who is strong, intelligent, handsome, and daring. Upon closer examination, many different qualities than these become apparent. Courage, honesty, bravery, selflessness, and the will to try are just a few of the overlooked qualities of an American Hero. The definition of heroism changes with the context and time. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines heroism as "heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end; the qualities of a hero". Heroes of the past are not necessarily heroes of present time and vise versa.