Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who was responsible for opening the "New World" to European colonization in 1492. This was the first contact that Europe had had with the Caribbean, Central and South America. Columbus's voyages were sponsored by the Catholic Kings of Spain, Isabella and Ferdinand.
When Columbus undertook these trips, he made some promises to the Kings in order to guarantee their support. Columbus promised that he would bring back gold, spices, and silks from the Far East; spread Christianity; and lead an expedition to China.
