Enterprise of the Indies

            The origins of Columbus’ explorations and conquest were centrally based upon business and commercial inquisitions, as noted by Symcox and Sullivan that “This was to be a commercial enterprise.”[1] With grand visions of expanding their sovereignty and influence, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel shifted their focus from domestic matters into seeking wealth and territory to further enhance their empire. Also, in agreeing to fund Columbus’ expedition, the Spanish Crown sought it to be feasible to counter Portugal’s ventures of commerce.[2] Although the accords between the Spanish Crown and Columbus did not specifically call for religious endeavors, religious purposes were planted within Columbus due to his strong Catholic attributes as described by eyewitness accounts.

            The accounts of Bartolome De Las Casas provide insights into Columbus’ strong Catholic faith, “He was everlastingly zealous of the honor of God…”[3] Columbus often associated God with each new found glory, treasure, wealth, and discovery, “He was openly appreciative of the benefits the Lord bestowed upon him and it is said of him that every hour he acknowledged some fresh bounty from the Lord…”[4] Through these descriptive accounts as well as his letters to Ferdinand and Isabel[5] it’s plausible that Columbus not only sought new land and wealth, but also a desire to use religion to further strengthen the ambitions of explorations and enterprise in the new world.

            Religious purposes were further cemented with the “Piis Fidelium”[6] decree in 1493, which laid the foundation of religious motives in the new lands.[7] Though the importance of religion did not take central stage until subsequent voyages, the combination of Columbus’ strong pious persona as well as the Catholic Crowns own interests allowed religious motives to shape the purposes of exploration.

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[1] Symcox, Geoffrey and Sullivan, Blair. Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martins’s. 2005. 14.

[2] Ibid. 13.

[3] De Las Casas. On Columbus’s Appearance, Education, and Character 1527-1563.Symcox, Geoffrey and Sullivan, Blair. Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martins’s. 2005. 48.

[4] Ibid. 47.

[5] Columbus, Christopher. Undated Letter to Fernando and Isabel. Symcox, Geoffrey and Sullivan, Blair. Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martins’s. 2005 51-55.

[6] Symcox, Geoffrey and Sullivan, Blair. Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies: A Brief History with Documents. New York: Bedford/St. Martins’s. 2005. 19.

[7] Ibid. 19.