1. Establishment of a Colony: Columbus aimed to establish a permanent European presence in the Americas. Leaving a group of men behind allowed for the creation of a settlement that could serve as a base for further exploration, trade, and colonization efforts.
2. Defense and Security: Hispaniola was a strategic location for Columbus and his crew. Leaving a garrison of soldiers and sailors helped secure the newly found territory, protect the settlement, and deter potential threats from the indigenous populations or rival explorers.
3. Exploration Missions: Columbus knew that there was much more to discover in the region. By leaving some men behind, he could facilitate future exploration missions into the interior of Hispaniola and beyond, allowing him to gather more information about the geography, resources, and inhabitants of the area.
4. Resource Exploitation: Hispaniola, like many Caribbean islands, had valuable natural resources such as gold, timber, and exotic spices. Leaving some of his men behind enabled Columbus to start exploiting these resources and establish a system for their collection and trade.
5. Survival and Contingency: Leaving a group of men on Hispaniola also provided a safety net for Columbus and his crew. In case of emergencies, such as damage to ships, illness, or conflicts with the indigenous population, the men left behind could provide assistance and support.