Question

Why did Columbus reach the Caribbean islands rather than the East Indies?

A. He did not know that he had sailed far off course until he landed near
present-day Argentina.
B. He greatly underestimated the size of Earth and did not realize that North
and South America existed.
C. He was unaware that Earth was a sphere and so did not pursue his plan
of sailing west.

Answer 1

Christopher Columbus reached the Caribbean islands instead of the East Indies because he was unaware that Earth was a sphere, underestimated the size of Earth, and did not know that there were new lands between Europe and Asia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Christopher Columbus reached the Caribbean islands instead of the East Indies for multiple reasons:

1. C. Columbus was not aware that Earth was a sphere, and he believed that by sailing west, he would reach the East Indies. He did not know that there was a vast landmass between Europe and Asia.
2. A. When Columbus landed near present-day Argentina, he still thought he had reached the outskirts of the East Indies. It was only later that he realized he had stumbled upon new lands.
3. B. Columbus greatly underestimated the size of Earth and did not account for the existence of North and South America. He believed that the distance from Europe to the East Indies was much shorter than it actually is.

Learn more about Christopher Columbus's voyage