Columbus' own writings reveal how tightly religion and conquest were intertwined from the start

Christopher Columbus' own writings reveal the strong connection between religion and conquest from the very beginning of his expeditions. As a historian, I have delved into Columbus' texts to understand the impact of Christianity on the colonization of North America. In my upcoming book, "Contested Continent: The Struggle for North America, c. 1000–1680," I explore how religious motives shaped the creation of American colonies that benefited the conquerors at the expense of displaced or enslaved populations.

From the start, Europeans harbored a desire to spread Christianity and expand their territories. Long before Columbus embarked on his voyages, Crusaders had previously invaded the Middle East to reclaim what they perceived as their Holy Land from Muslims. In Spain, the Reconquista, a centuries-long struggle to expel Muslims, culminated in the expulsion of Jews and the defeat of the final Muslim stronghold in Granada in 1492. This period of religious fervor preceded Columbus' set sail.

Columbus' quest for the fastest route to the southwest Pacific to procure exotic spices led him to seek sponsors in Spain. Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon provided the necessary funds for his expedition. Upon returning, Columbus wrote a letter to his patrons, describing his discovery of the Bahamas and renaming the indigenous people "Indios," believing he had reached Asia.

He subsequently named various islands, locations, and even took captives from the first island he encountered, labeling them as his property.

Columbus' intention was to convert the native peoples to Christianity and teach them Spanish. After his return to Spain, he had his accounts printed, emphasizing the glory that awaited his patrons and the spread of Christendom. Columbus' words resonated across Europe, translated into multiple languages. He was granted the title of "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" by Ferdinand and Isabella for his accomplishments.

Columbus embarked on three more voyages to the Americas. On his second journey, he dispatched a friar named Ramón Pané to live among the Tainos, record their beliefs, and devise strategies for their conversion to Christianity. The second voyage also saw Columbus dispatching individuals to Spain to face charges related to his administration of the colonies and enslaving indigenous peoples.

To regain favor with his patrons, Columbus immersed himself in church history and theology, studying Scripture and writings from prominent theologians. He compiled these materials into a personal journal, which he intended to present to his queen and king. Regrettably, although Columbus did not publish the book during his lifetime, it ultimately became known as the "Book of Prophecies."

In this manuscript, Columbus recounted his discoveries and the conversion of peoples. He believed that God had endowed him with exceptional intelligence, even attributing his successes to the biblical prophets. He contrasted his experiences with those of Isaiah, who was described as both a prophet and an evangelist, calling all people to the Catholic faith.

Columbus also drew parallels between his voyage and the prophecy of Seneca, who foresaw a new landmass appearing in the final years of the world, and a "new sailor" discovering a new world. In this manuscript, Columbus not only charted the islands but also advocated for the conversion of all peoples and nations to Christianity.