A Business Proposal New World Expeditions Christopher Columbus

Mission Statement “As Admiral of the expedition fleet, I pledge to channel our top resources in order to realize a single goal: Mastery of world trade. ” Christopher Columbus

World Trade Market Share Portugal 22% England 32% Spanish trade less than one fifth of European total! All Other 28% Spain 18%

Proposed Expedition to the Indies A new route to the Indies will bring: u More Trade u New Land u Increased Revenue

Proposed Trade Route Current routes east and southeast are long, dangerous journeys to Cathay and the Indies New route westward is shorter, safer, and unexploited by the English and Portuguese

Fleet Organization Christopher Columbus Admiral V. Y. Pinzón M. A. Pinzón C. Columbus Captain, Niña Captain, Pinta Captain, Santa Maria J. Niño M. A. Pinzón J. de la Cosa Master S. R. de Gama C. G. Xalmiento P. Niño Pilot

Expedition Schedule 1491 Select Flagship Outfit ships Hire crews Sail to Indies Pick up gold Sail back to Spain 1492 1493

Risks and Safeguards Potential Problems Navigational Dangers navigational aids Solutions New, more precise Weather Experienced officers Pirates ships Trained military will accompany

Estimated Budget 1491 Ships 725, 000 870, 000 Personnel 350, 000 480, 000 Supplies 125, 000 210, 000 Weapons 50, 000 90, 000 Total 1, 250, 000 1, 650, 000 (In thousands of ducats) 1492

Requested Assistance u An investment of D 1, 000 (reimbursable from profits) - A royal charter for ship supplies - Royal contracts u Diplomatic papers to assist in potential negotiations

Estimated Revenue 10 Proposed Route 9 8 Current Route 7 6 (In millions of ducats) 5 4 3 2 1 0 1493 1495 1497 1499