The Brave New World

1
The Brave New World

• Presented for the consideration of Her Majesty
  Queen Isabella by Christopher Columbus of Genoa

2
World Trade Routes

• Current Route to the Indies
• Sail Mediterranean Long and expensive
• Overland across Asia Even longer and dangerous
• Spains new proposed route
• Sail South of Africa, then Eastward even longer
  and more dangerous

3
A New Trade Route

• A direct route should be possible by sailing
  Westward
• Much shorter, making it faster and safer
• Not yet exploited by English or Portuguese

4
Proposed Expedition

• A Western sea route to the Indies
• Unimaginable benefits to the Kingdom
• Significant rise in trade
• Possession of all new lands discovered
• Substantial increase in revenues to the crown
• Time is of the essence
• English and Portuguese are considering India
  expeditions now

5
Expedition Plan

• Already in place
• A prepared fleet of three seaworthy ships
• A hand-selected staff of experienced officers and
  able-bodied seamen
• A contract for services with scientists,
  linguists, surgeons, and priests to accompany the
  expedition
• The team is assembled, but we need Spains support

6
Estimated Budget

• Total Projected Budget 1,500,000
• Already Raised 500,000

7
Royal Proposal

• We propose that the Queen provide
• An investment of D1,000,000 (reimbursable from
  profits)
• A royal charter for the expedition
• Diplomatic papers to assist in potential
  negotiations with Indian potentates
• Royal contracts for ships supplies
• Royal support is essential to our chances of
  success

8
Advantages for Spain

• Spain has a golden opportunity to enhance its
  position as a world power
• Establish a practical sea route to the Indies
• Increase Spains share of world trade
• Bring untold gold into the royal treasury
• It will be like a New World for Spain!