Under the flag of what European country did Columbus sail?

Under the flag of what European country did Columbus sail?

• A. Portugal
• B. England
• C. France
• D. Spain

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is who funded and authorized the voyage. Columbus sailed under Spain’s flag because the Spanish Crown, led by Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, funded and backed his expedition in 1492 after years of seeking sponsorship. They provided the ships, crew, and legal authority to voyage west in hopes of reaching Asia, making Spain the nation associated with his voyage. Portugal did not back this westward plan (they supported other routes around Africa with different explorers), and England and France were not involved in funding this particular voyage. That connection to royal sponsorship and national backing is why Spain is the correct flag for Columbus’s voyage.

The main idea here is who funded and authorized the voyage. Columbus sailed under Spain’s flag because the Spanish Crown, led by Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, funded and backed his expedition in 1492 after years of seeking sponsorship. They provided the ships, crew, and legal authority to voyage west in hopes of reaching Asia, making Spain the nation associated with his voyage. Portugal did not back this westward plan (they supported other routes around Africa with different explorers), and England and France were not involved in funding this particular voyage. That connection to royal sponsorship and national backing is why Spain is the correct flag for Columbus’s voyage.