"...Magellan had what it took to dream such a daring voyage and make it happen and Elcano had the strength and tenacity to finish it.¨
(BBC Documentary) Director- Chris Bould, 2006
Magellan was a visionary explorer who never gave up on his dream and is remembered for an accomplishment which he never achieved. Because he was such an important figure; however, his name is the one that became synonymous with navigation.
Magellan's accomplishments are largely free of the criticisms levied against other Spanish explorers. His legacy is virtually untarnished; although, a writer named Patrick Scrivener (2013) claimed that:
Magellan's accomplishments are largely free of the criticisms levied against other Spanish explorers. His legacy is virtually untarnished; although, a writer named Patrick Scrivener (2013) claimed that:
"...Magellan had John Cabot's maps that allowed him to know EXACTLY where the straits were located...¨
Despite this claim, Scrivener included no empirical evidence to support his argument.
Magellan overcame obstacles and pushed onward. He proved there was a route through South America, and another way to the Spice Islands. He was also one of the first Europeans to see the Pacific Ocean, an ocean which he named. When he reached the present-day Philippines, he claimed the islands for Spain and began converting the locals to Christianity. Magellan’s cultural influence is evident. The cross he planted remains a national treasure in the Philippines today.
Magellan overcame obstacles and pushed onward. He proved there was a route through South America, and another way to the Spice Islands. He was also one of the first Europeans to see the Pacific Ocean, an ocean which he named. When he reached the present-day Philippines, he claimed the islands for Spain and began converting the locals to Christianity. Magellan’s cultural influence is evident. The cross he planted remains a national treasure in the Philippines today.
Resources such as gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and tin from the Americas motivated Spain to conquer and settle the continent for the empire. As seen on the map below, the economic benefits Spain reaped from its empire helped ensure Spain’s status as a colonial power.
Ultimately, he is remembered for circumnavigating the globe and for following his dream.
"They (Magellan and Elcano) and the men that sailed with them share one of the greatest voyages of discovery. The voyage that would define the shape and size of our Earth and its oceans and change the geographical, political, and spiritual landscape forever."
Dir. Chris Bould - Ferdinand Magellan Voyages of Discovery - Circumnavigation. . BBCFOUR, 2006. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsuUBIHA6kM>. This part of the documentary retraces the legacy of Magellan. It was carefully researched and well-produced. (The cut is 1 minute long).
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