What was the greatest contribution of Ferdinand Magellan to the world?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The greatest contribution of Ferdinand Magellan to the world was leading the first expedition to successfully circumnavigate the Earth. Although Magellan did not complete the voyage himself, as he was killed in the Philippines, his expedition proved that the Earth was round and that it was possible to sail around it. This monumental journey expanded the geographic knowledge of the time and opened new avenues for global exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.
Magellan’s expedition began in 1519 with the goal of finding a westward route to the Spice Islands (the Moluccas) in Southeast Asia. He set sail with five ships and a multinational crew, navigating through unknown waters and facing tremendous hardships. Along the way, Magellan discovered the Strait of Magellan, a natural passage at the southern tip of South America that allowed the expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean. This route provided a safer alternative to the previously known route around Africa, offering an important maritime passage for future explorers and traders.
Though Magellan did not survive the entire journey—he was killed in the Philippines in 1521—his expedition continued under the leadership of Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano. Elcano’s crew eventually completed the circumnavigation, returning to Spain in 1522 after more than three years at sea. This accomplishment demonstrated the true scale of the Earth and fundamentally changed the understanding of the world’s geography, helping to pave the way for further exploration and the expansion of European colonial empires.
In summary, Magellan’s greatest contribution was not just his own voyage but the lasting impact it had on global exploration, showing the feasibility of circumnavigation and expanding the world’s horizons, both literally and figuratively.