A. The Fleet Sets Sail
- On September 20, 1519, Magellan’s fleet of five ships and around 270 men departed from Seville.
- The ships were: Trinidad (flagship), San Antonio, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago.
- Crew included Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians, and other nationalities.
B. Initial Difficulties
- The fleet faced storms and navigational uncertainties in the Atlantic.
- Supplies were limited, morale fluctuated, and there were tensions between Spanish and Portuguese crew.
C. Mutiny Threats
- Magellan faced mutiny from officers who resented his Portuguese origins and command.
- Mutinies were suppressed with severity; some conspirators were executed or marooned.
- Maintaining discipline proved one of Magellan’s greatest challenges.
The Passage Through South America: The Strait of Magellan
A. The Harsh Voyage Southward
- The fleet sailed down the eastern coast of South America, searching for a strait leading to the Pacific.
- Harsh weather, freezing temperatures, and unknown waters tested the men.
- Ships were often separated or damaged.
B. Discovery of the Strait
- In October 1520, Magellan discovered the treacherous passage later named the Strait of Magellan.
- Navigating this labyrinth of channels and rocks took over a month.
- The strait proved crucial in connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
C. Loss of the Santiago
- The ship Santiago was wrecked during a reconnaissance mission.
- Crew members were rescued, but the loss reduced fleet strength. shutdown123