Question

Why did Christopher Columbus want to find the Indies?

A) To establish trade routes and gain access to valuable spices and goods
B) To spread Christianity and convert the indigenous people
C) To expand the Spanish Empire and increase its wealth and power
D) To prove that the Earth was round and not flat
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Christopher Columbus sought to find the Indies to establish trade routes for spices, expand the Spanish Empire, spread Christianity, and gain an advantage over other European powers. His motivations encompassed economic, religious, and political objectives. The correct answer is E) All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Christopher Columbus wanted to find the Indies primarily to establish trade routes and gain access to valuable spices and goods. The desire to expand the Spanish Empire and increase its wealth and power, spread Christianity by converting indigenous people, and secure a commercial advantage over Portugal were also significant motivations.

The fall of Constantinople had made the overland routes to Asia more difficult and expensive, incentivizing the exploration of alternative routes.His initial proposal to sail west to reach the East Indies sought funding from various European monarchs and was ultimately supported by the Spanish rulers, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Columbus's voyages were a part of the wider context of Atlantic exploration, motivated by desires to tap into the lucrative spice trade, weaken the Muslim world by diverting the overland trade, strengthen the Christian world, and to spread Catholicism.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question, 'Why did Christopher Columbus want to find the Indies?' is E) All of the above.