Download Explorer Introduction and Conclusion Samples

European Explorers
Sample Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs
SAMPLE 1 ~ Christopher Columbus
Introduction
Famed Italian explorer Christopher Columbus discovered the "New World" of the
Americas on an expedition sponsored by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1492. It seemed destiny
that he would succeed as an explorer, as he explained, “I went to sea from the most tender age
and have continued in a sea life to this day. Whoever gives himself up to this art wants to know
the secrets of Nature…. Wherever anyone has sailed, there I have sailed.” While he did not
accomplish his goal to find a sea route to Asia by sailing west, he opened up continents
previously unknown to Europeans and set in motion the movement westward by others like
himself—those in search of fame, fortune, and adventure.
Conclusion
Columbus' legacy is certain a mixed one. He has been credited with opening up the
Americas to European colonization as well as blamed for the destruction of the native peoples
of the islands he explored. While he failed to find that what he set out for, a new route to Asia
and the riches it promised, the Columbian Exchange that his expeditions set in motion resulted
in the widespread movement of people, plants, animals, diseases, and cultures that has greatly
affected nearly every society on Earth.
SAMPLE 2 – Prince Henry of Portugal
Introduction
Portugal's long shoreline, with its many harbors and rivers flowing westward to the
Atlantic Ocean was the ideal environment to create adventurous sailors. However, it was the
passion and goal of one man who moved Portuguese exploration forward. Although Prince
Henry never sailed on any of his expeditions and rarely left Portugal, he became known as
Prince Henry the Navigator. This man, Prince Henry, was born in 1394 as the third son of King
John I of Portugal.
Conclusion
Prince Henry’s school of navigation resulted in a breakthrough for Portuguese
navigation. Before Prince Henry, sailors and navigators refused to sail toward Africa. They
were scared of sea monsters and boiling water near the equator. In fact, no sailor had ever
sailed into the “Sea of Darkness," which the Portuguese considered to be any part of the ocean
south of Cape Bojador. Prince Henry’s school sent fourteen expeditions into “The Sea of
Darkness.” Even though Prince Henry did not sail on his expeditions, his influence was crucial if
finding the much sought after sea route to the Indies.
SAMPLE 3 ~ Sir Francis Drake
Introduction
Francis Drake was an experienced and daring seafarer. Among many adventures, his
most famous voyage, his successful circumnavigation of the world ensured that he would be
one of the best-remembered figures of England. In his own lifetime, he was thought of with
mixed feelings, both at home and abroad. Many English people regarded him as a hero.
However, he was feared and hated by the Spanish who called him El Draque, meaning "The
Dragon."
Conclusion
Sir Francis Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe led to an increased knowledge of the
geography of the world, particularly to a more accurate understanding of the then-called
“southern continent.” As a navigator his skills put him in the same rank as Columbus. His claim
of California, or Nova Albion, for England led directly to later plans to send people to live in
colonies in America. Despite the differing opinions of him during his lifetime, Drake has left
behind an enduring legacy.