Final answer:
Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492 to find a westward trade route to Asia, which was also an effort to expand Catholicism and gain a trading advantage over Portugal. Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella sponsored his journey after the fall of Constantinople and the Reconquista, seeking to enhance Spanish trading prospects and spread their faith. Columbus died believing he reached Asia, although he had discovered a 'New World'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christopher Columbus's Voyage in 1492
Christopher Columbus embarked on his famous journey in 1492 primarily to find a new trade route to Asia. Encouraged by the prospect of establishing a route that could circumvent the overland paths controlled by Ottoman and Venetian traders, Columbus sought to create a westward maritime passage. The Spanish Exploration efforts were driven by a competitive spirit, particularly with Portugal, which had already discovered a southern route around Africa. Columbus, a Genoese mariner who failed to secure backing in other European nations, ultimately convinced the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, to sponsor his voyage. Their support was a combination of the desire for wealth by strengthening trade, the expansion of the Spanish empire, and the spread of Christianity.
Ferdinand and Isabella were not just interested in finding new lands; they wanted to expand Catholicism and gain commercial leverage over Portugal. Backing Columbus was a strategic move to boost Spain's position in the lucrative spice trade and foster an increase in Christian zeal. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the end of the Reconquista in Spain, the monarchs finally agreed to fund Columbus's expedition, providing the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus went to his grave mistakenly believing he had reached Asia, though he had in fact encountered a 'New World' that would reshape global history.