What did Columbus's deal with the King and Queen of Spain include?

• A. Columbus Alone Would Govern New Lands
• B. Columbus And Heirs Will Be Admirals And Governors Of Discovery; Columbus And Heirs Get 10% Of Gains; Ferdinand And Isabella Get Royal Fifth; Columbus And Company Will Convert Natives.
• C. The King Would Grant Funds Only For Voyages
• D. Columbus Would Retire To A Monastery

Answer: (B)

The deal tested here focuses on the terms Columbus secured from the Spanish Crown—the titles of authority, the share of profits, and the Crown’s own revenue stake. The capitulations granted Columbus the status of Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy/Governor of any lands he discovered, with his heirs able to inherit those positions. It also provided that Columbus and his heirs would receive a tenth of the profits from the voyages, while Ferdinand and Isabella would take the royal fifth, the Crown’s share of wealth from new lands. There was a missionary aspect to the agreement—an intent to spread Christianity among the native peoples—but the essential contractual terms are the admiral/governor titles, the 10% share for Columbus and his heirs, and the Crown’s royal fifth. The other options either misstate who would govern, omit the Crown’s revenue share, or introduce retirement, which aren’t part of the actual capitulations.