Enterprise

• Enterprise of the Indies

  Christopher Columbus's ambitious project aimed at discovering a new maritime route to Asia by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean
• Planning and Sponsorship


  1. Columbus initially presented his plan to the courts of Portugal and Spain, seeking sponsorship for his voyage

  2. After several years of negotiations and rejections, he eventually secured support from the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, in 1492

  3. The contract, known as the Capitulations of Santa Fe, granted Columbus the titles of Admiral of the Ocean Sea, Viceroy, and Governor of any lands he discovered

  4. He was also promised a percentage of the profits from the venture
• Despite his continued belief that he had reached Asia, he had actually discovered a new continent previously unknown to Europeans