Final answer:
Christopher Columbus set out in 1492 to find new trade routes for Spain. He discovered San Salvador and Hispaniola, funded by the Spanish monarchy, mistakenly thinking he had reached Asia, paving the way for European colonization of the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christopher Columbus's Voyage Funded by Spain
In 1492, the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus embarked on his historic voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in search of new trade routes. Notably, this journey was sponsored by Spain, a country seeking quicker access to the lucrative markets in Asia. After initially proposing his venture to Portugal, which rejected his plans, Columbus found favor with the Spanish monarchy. With the financial backing of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, he sailed west with his fleet, which included the ships Niña, Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
Columbus set sail from Spain in August of 1492, and by October, he discovered the island of San Salvador near present-day Bahamas, mistakenly believing it to be the East Indies. His expedition also led to the discovery of the major Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which is now split into the nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Although Columbus was in search of trade routes for Spain, he did not immediately comprehend the full significance of his findings, still believing he had reached Asia.
Regardless of his misconceptions, Columbus's voyages marked the beginning of Spanish exploration and colonization of the Americas. His discoveries opened doors for other European nations to explore and claim new territories, ultimately changing the course of world history.