Two of the assigned readings that stood out to me were the detailed journals of the famous European explorers Christopher Columbus and Samuel de Champlain. These writings discuss their observations and experiences during their explorations in the New World. Columbus's "Letters of Columbus, Describing the Results of His First Voyage" and Champlain's "From the Voyages of Samuel de Champlain" both contrast in their opinion of the value of the lands of the New World and in their interactions with the natives that these explorers they came across. Columbus and Champlain were both devoted to the success of their expeditions; however, Columbus had much more selfish intentions. Columbus was an Italian seeking help on a voyage that would cross the Atlantic Ocean in search of riches in the East. His support was not easy as it was rejected by the courts of Portugal, France and England. Eventually, Columbus was able to obtain authorization and funding for a voyage that began in 1492 from the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Having started the long-awaited expedition in April, Columbus managed to reach the West Indies in October of the same year. Upon encountering the New World, Columbus immediately claimed the land along with its natives for his Spanish rulers. Although Columbus was increasing Spain's wealth and strength, it was "a catastrophe for the indigenous inhabitants of the lands" (Belasco 67). He had no compunctions for the natives as he proceeded to establish plantations, enslave them, massacre them, and create a new colony called Espanola on their lands. According to Schuman, Howard, Barry Schwartz, and Hannah d'Arcy, Christopher Columbus “deserves to be condemned for bringing slavery, disease, and death... to the center of the card... and for once defeating the Iroquois. and for everyone. Because Champlain was able to quickly develop a French-Indian alliance, founding the settlement of Quebec was easy and effective early in New France's future. The exploration was economically, politically and religiously motivated. All explorers had a goal before embarking on their journey; however, not all explorers approached their expeditions the same way. Christopher Columbus described in his journal how his main goal was to help himself and Spain by treating the natives and their lands he encountered as a means of obtaining profitable goods. Samuel de Champlain had conflicting ideas and allied himself with some tribes giving the French further control. Champlain's friendliness, concern, and cooperation with the natives led him beyond economic dealings and into a more trustworthy relationship.