When did Europeans cross the Atlantic?

1492
In 1492 the Italian Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in a Spanish-backed attempt to find a new trading route to Asia.

Why did Europeans cross the Atlantic Ocean?

Columbus wanted to sail ships west across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new trade route to Asia. This would help Spain expand its trade in spices and other goods from China and the islands of the East. Both the route and the riches could make Spain more powerful.

How long did it take to cross the Atlantic?

How long did the Atlantic crossing use to take? In 1492 it took Columbus two months to cross the Atlantic. In the 18th and 19th century, it still took on average six weeks. If weather conditions were bad, it could take up to three months.

How long did it take to cross the Atlantic in 1900?

In the early 19th century sailing ships took about six weeks to cross the Atlantic. With adverse winds or bad weather the journey could take as long as fourteen weeks.

Why did Europeans leave the New World?

There were many reasons why European colonists chose to settle in New Netherland. Many fled political and religious persecution. Others hoped to improve their condition by owning their own land or by participating in the fur trade. Some settlers worked for other colonists as contract laborers or indentured servants.

How long did it take to cross the ocean in 1492?

On October 12, 1492, after 36 days of sailing westward across the Atlantic, Columbus and several crewmen set foot on an island in the present-day Bahamas, claiming it for Spain.

How long did it take them to cross the Atlantic Ocean?

Why did Columbus want to sail across the Atlantic?

Why did Christopher Columbus want to sail the Atlantic Ocean? Christopher Columbus wanted to find a new water route to Asia. He thought that he could sail west across the Atlantic Ocean, instead of around Africa. Spain agreed to fund his voyage because the new sea route would help Spain compete with Portugal.