The initial reason for Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World was to find a western route to Asia. During the 15th century, there was significant interest in finding a direct sea route to Asia for trade purposes. At that time, the major trade routes from Europe to Asia were long and perilous, passing through lands controlled by Ottoman Turks. Columbus, an Italian explorer, proposed reaching Asia by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean, believing that the Earth was smaller than it actually is. Although his plan was initially rejected by several European powers, he eventually secured funding from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain. On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail with three small ships (the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña) and unintentionally stumbled upon the Americas, changing the course of history. So, in short, Columbus's initial reason for his journey was to find a new, shorter trade route to Asia.
