Final answer:
Columbus and his crew sailed westward from Puerto de Palos, seeking a new trade route to the riches of Asia, but instead stumbled upon the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands, marking the European discovery of the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
On August 3, 1492, from Puerto de Palos, Spain, Columbus and his crew sailed westward, looking for a path to Asia. Setting off with three ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria—Columbus embarked on an epic voyage that would inadvertently lead to the European discovery of the Americas. He hoped to find a new trade route that would provide faster access to the spices and riches of Asia.
After a brief stopover in the Canary Islands, Columbus resumed his journey, and on October 12, 1492, he reached an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. Mistakenly believing he had reached the outskirts of Asia, Columbus called the native people he encountered 'Indians.' His exploration then continued to other islands, including Cuba and Hispaniola, the latter of which is now divided between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.