Isabella I of Castile
Introduction
Isabella I was a leader and role model for all queens after her. She sponsored Columbus's journey all through out his expedition to the 'New World'. This is a life of a Renaissance queen, mother, and wife.
Childhood
Isabella's life was tragic in her early years. Isabella I was born in Madrid, Spain April 22, 1451. Isabella had ocean blue eyes and long chestnut colored hair that was always wavy, curly, and long. She was like any other Catholic girl in the 1400's. Isabella had the most schooling a girl would have in the Renaissance. She was always interested in learning but the one thing she knew well was Latin. Her father was John the second of Spain, and her step mother was from Portugal. Her father died when she was three, abandoning Isabella and making her step brother king. Her childhood pushed her to be a better person in her life ahead.
Adulthood
Isabella was an important figure in history. Isabella married Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1468. Ferdinand had black straight hair that was neck length. She married him in secret so her brother could not make her have an arranged marriage. Isabella supported struggling artists and collected their supreme paintings. Isabella also built schools for children because she never had outstanding schooling when she was young. Isabella felt like she needed to give children what she never had when she was young. She had four children with Ferdinand. Their names were John, Joan, Maria, and Catherine. Her most famous child was Catherine. She married Henry VIII and had Mary I or so called "Bloody Mary". Isabella was a queen, mother, and wife, that must have been a full time job.
Reign
Isabella I took the crown in 1474. Isabella always treated Indians fairly. She was very religious and told people about Jesus Christ. Isabella also helped start the reformation of the church in Spain. Sadly, her only son died. In the following year, Isabella's eldest daughter died too. Isabella had a darker side to her. She burned over 2,000 people. Isabella burned different religious followers such as Muslims, Jews, and Protestants. Isabella died in 1504 after withdrawing from the government. All over Europe and Spain, her death was grieved. 1474 was a very important because that is when most of her accomplishments were completed
Isabella I Helps Columbus
An important of Isabella's reign was Columbus's voyage to the 'New World'. Columbus went on his first voyage to the so called 'New World' on August 3, 1492. He spent five months exploring the Caribbean concentrating on the island of Cuba and Santo Domingo. Columbus left thirty-nine men to build a settlement called "La Navidad" on the island of Haiti. When Columbus returned to Spain he brought gold, native plants, and birds. On March 15, 1493 Columbus wrote a letter to Isabella and Ferdinand saying what he did, I discovered many islands in habited by numerous people. I took possession of all them for our most fortunate King by making public proclamation and unfurling his standard no one making resistance,". Isabella made a fortunate investment by having an open mind and saying yes to Columbus's offer.
Conclusion
Isabella was a queen at the center of miraculous historical events. She was important to her family, her country and the world. Without Isabella there might not be The United States. There could be a delay in things because if Isabella said "No" than Columbus might have given up. `Maybe after one-hundred years people find the 'New World' then there would be a delay of the discoveries. Isabella supported to establish the new world, wich led to the abilities that we can do today.