Why did Columbus want to sail across the Atlantic?

Exploration and Colonization

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who famously sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, looking for a shorter route to Asia. However, he accidentally stumbled upon the Americas. Columbus wanted to sail across the Atlantic for a variety of reasons, with exploration and colonization being the main motivations.

Exploration

Exploration was a major driving force behind Columbus's desire to sail across the Atlantic. During the 15th century, Europeans were eager to find new trade routes to Asia for valuable spices and other goods. Columbus believed that sailing west would lead him to Asia, allowing him to bypass the long and dangerous existing routes around Africa.

Colonization

Colonization was another key reason why Columbus wanted to sail across the Atlantic. He hoped to establish new trade routes and colonies for Spain. By claiming new lands for his sponsor, Columbus sought to expand Spanish influence and power, as well as amass wealth and resources.

Legacy of Columbus

While Columbus's voyages had a lasting impact on world history, they also led to the spread of disease, violence, and oppression against indigenous peoples in the Americas. Despite this, Columbus's expeditions marked the beginning of European colonization in the New World, shaping the course of global history for centuries to come.